CIS-UNN Igbo Spectrum Webinar Series Debuts; Explores Igbo Perspectives on Restructuring

By Special Correspondent 

The Centre for Igbo Studies, CIS, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, in partnership with Njenje Media, successfully hosted the maiden edition of the ‘Igbo Spectrum Webinar Series’ on Friday, 30 August, 2024. The event, which was streamed live across multiple social media platforms, featured a thought-provoking presentation by Prof. Obasi Igwe, titled “New Governance Model for Nigeria: Igbo Position on Restructuring, Regionalism, and Referendum.” In his presentation, Prof. Igwe proposed a new governance model for Nigeria, asserting it as a “win-win template for peace and stability in Nigeria.” He critically examined the miscellany of proposals on restructuring, using Dr. Akin Fapohunda’s model as a reference point. Prof. Igwe argued that these models often neglect the legitimate interests of the Igbo people and other Nigerians affected by the current governance structure. Prof. Igwe debunked the prevalent misconception about the so-called “Igbo problems with their neighbors,” highlighting major flaws in Fapohunda’s (and similar) governance models. He strongly advocated ending of the “economic blockade against the Igbo and, by extension, the entire eastern half of Nigeria,” stressing the need for equitable economic opportunities for all regions. On restructuring, Prof. Igwe emphasized the need for a restructured governance model based on ethnic nationalities or groups thereof, allowing for relative self-determination. This approach, he argued, would unleash the full potential of each nationality, fostering growth and stability across the Nigerian state. Prof. Igwe also elaborated on his stance regarding regionalism and the right to a referendum, which he believes are crucial components of a just and egalitarian Nigeria. He concluded by asserting that “restructuring is a golden opportunity to build an egalitarian new Nigeria devoid of the injustices, fears, and anxieties of today.”
The event commenced with opening remarks from the hosts, Mr. Tochukwu Ezeoke of Njenje Media and Prof. Chris Agbedo, Director of the Centre for Igbo Studies, UNN. Mr. Ezeoke expressed gratitude to Prof. Igwe and the two distinguished panelists, Prof. Apex Apeh (Department of History & International Studies, UNN, and Prof. Geraldo Ekene Ezirim (Department of Political Science, UNN) for their participation and assured the audience of a rewarding intellectual experience. In his remarks, Prof. Agbedo, the convener, described the Igbo Spectrum Webinar Series as “the beginning of an intellectual journey, a series of conversations that we, as custodians of Igbo language and cultural heritage, must continually engage in to ensure that our identity, culture, and contributions to the world are not only preserved but also innovatively advanced in the modern context.” He elaborated on the theme of the series, “Igbo Spectrum: Exploring Roots, Inspiring Innovations, and Shaping Futures,” calling it a clarion call to explore the essence of Igbo identity, inspire progress, and shape a promising future.
Following Prof. Igwe’s presentation, the panelists, Profs. Apex Apeh and Geraldo Ekene Ezirim, offered insightful interventions that enriched the discussion. Both panelists praised the initiative behind the webinar series, emphasizing its importance in fostering dialogue on critical issues affecting the Igbo community and Nigeria as a whole. In particular, Prof Apeh raised concerns about the troubling issue of love among Ndigbo, the need for Ndigbo to understand themselves, the present ‘structure’ and the concept of "restructuring."