Oso Ndu Agwu Ike and The Igbo Experience in Nigeria: Quest for A Sustainable Future
Conference: The 23rd Annual International Conference of the Igbo Studies Association (ISA) (2026)
Presenter(s): Peace-Val Chinomnso Eze
Presentation Date: February 23, 2026 @ 14:26 PM
Tags: Nigeria Owerri Imo Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education
Abstract
Nigeria's multiethnic composition has been shaped by the continued neglect of structural inequalities that continue to influence access to political power, social inclusion, and national belonging. Within this context, Ndi Igbo have experienced persistent political underrepresentation and social marginalization, particularly in the post–civil war period. Despite their demographic significance, economic dynamism, and national presence, the Igbo remain excluded mainly from central state power, raising fundamental questions about equity, inclusion, and the sustainability of the Nigerian federation. This paper examines the Igbo experience through the indigenous philosophy Oso Ndu Agwu ike and the Igbo worldview, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and the enduring strength of communal life in the face of adversity. The study argues that Oso Ndu Agwu ike has enabled survival and socio-economic advancement despite structural constraints, and prolonged marginalization poses significant challenges to collective well-being, political stability, and long-term sustainable development. Employing a qualitative historical and socio-political approach, the paper analyses patterns of exclusion, inter-ethnic power relations, and the adaptive strategies developed by Ndi Igbo, including self-help initiatives, entrepreneurial networks, and strong communal institutions. It further contends that resilience should not be misconstrued as a substitute for genuine inclusive governance. Instead, Oso Ndu Agwu ike is proposed as both a survival ethic and a conceptual framework for rethinking participatory governance, social cohesion, and sustainable futures in plural societies. The paper concludes that addressing Igbo marginalization is not only an ethnic concern but a national imperative for building a resilient and sustainable Nigerian state.
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