By: Ifeanyi Onyekachi
The world woke up one morning to a wide trending video of a certain black man, dressed in the usual university graduation robe embellished with traditional Ishiagu attire with a red cap to match, while holding out the revered Igbo ofo stick in his hand.
The video revealed a spontaneous eruption of a concentrated applause from a cross section of the large crowd, mostly white people, as soon as the black graduating student stepped out in his distinctive graduation rope to collect his certificate from the university boss.
The graduation
ceremony took place at the prestigious University of Derby, situated at the heart of the East Midland of England.
The showstopper, cynosure of all eyes, the man who attracted the attention of international social media influencers, skit makers and bloggers across the world during the event, is a Nigerian- born Prince Anthony Chikodi Igwe, popularly called Chyco, by his admirers. He hails from Imo State in Ehime Mbano. A philanthropist, upward bound, a man of positive disposition and a Prince from the popular Igwe dynasty in Agbaghara Nsu Ancient Kingdom.
He was among the many who bagged various degrees at the recent celebrated University of Derby graduation exercise.
Prince Tony was awarded with Msc degree in Global Operations and Supply Chain Management, University of Derby, England, having satisfied all the conditions in learning and in character for the award of post graduate degree of the university.
While we commend and congratulate Prince Chikodi Igwe on this milestone achievement, the crux of the matter is his royal patriotism in utilizing the opportunity of the ceremony to preserve, showcase and promote our life long cherished tradition before international audience.
This uncommon courage of a true Igbo man, has earned him serious but unsolicited mention in various fora across the world, particularly among true Igbos who value the preservation and sanctity of our culture in its morals and ethos.
It is remarkable that Prince Tony Igwe was able to convince the university management that as a traditional apologist and a titled man of Igbo extraction, it is inappropriate for him to remove his revered red cap for any other headdress regardless of the event. He proved to the men of English culture that the “Ofo” stick which he brandished is a revered traditional insignia for justice and peace that cannot dropped even as he proceeded to receive his certificate of merit. Of course, he had to adorn his graduation robe with the traditional Ishiagu to reflect his cultural and traditional lining.
It must also be mentioned that University of Derby is very culture friendly, no wonder it is among the high flying institutions, not only in the United Kingdom but Europe in general. For allowing and supporting Tony Igwe’s touch of culture in his dress and actions during the ceremony portrayed it as a culture and diversity friendly top UK university, which also can be evidenced by the high number of foreign graduated students in various disciplines.
Prince Tony’s action clearly demonstrates that culture is a life blood of a vibrant society expressed in many ways. Also, the strong but unspoken message he conveyed is that the creative expression of our tradition and culture is a definition of who we are.
Again, the University of Derby’s event as exemplified by the role Prince Tony played, is a call for the Igbos to reappraise the level of appreciation of the various facets of their culture. He has redirected attention to the significance of Igbo traditional attire and promotion of their cultural value system.
The wearing of red cap, though grossly misused, worn by people of questionable and fraudulent character, signifies authority, culture and tradition. The ofo stick in Igbo land is an age long tradition stick that performs wonders. It symbolizes power and stands for justice, truthfulness, fairness and equity.
The summary is that the world has taken note of Prince Tony Igwe as true Ambassador of Igbo culture and tradition.
He has promoted the Igbo traditional institution in more stronger terms than could be expressed in words.
May the God of the Igbos protect Prince Anthony Chikodi Igwe and the entire Igbo race.