Each generation has memories, stories and values to pass down to the next generation. The IGEDE-NESS is our most treasured possession: Our truthful, honest and liberal nature. Our hospitality and neighbourliness. Our love and tolerance. Our humility and resilience. Our glamorous yet modest lifestyles. A society ruled by reason and justice. A peaceful community that fosters interpersonal harmony and is allergic to violence.
It is fruitless to blame everyone else for the woes we may bring on ourselves by the reckless embrace of extra-terrestrial values. While it may be for some a very convenient action for our cherished heritage to be thrown to the passageway and turn full circle to assume a victim mentality, to others is an aberration and sacrilege. We need to tell ourselves the gospel truth; we must maintain our heritage and ensure its survival in the best form regardless of the eroding power of modernity.
The IGEDE-NESS, the distinctiveness and our admirable qualities among the comity of ethnic groups should be embraced and worn by all facets of the society. Let us strive for the best possible social order.
Who are we hoping to champion the evolution? Youths? Elites? Elders? Traditional leaders? Political class? Organised socio-cultural groups? How can we be involved in handing down the Igede-ness? What role does our current lifestyle play in handing down the Igede-ness? What specific virtue must we inculcate into the fabric of the society now-love or truth or justice or all of them?
Whatever good intentions we have–time is running out, let’s do it quickly.
IGEDE IHYỌ́Ọ́!!!
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