According to the report from the Sun, a former commander of the Nigeria contingent of African Union (AU) Monitoring Group in Rwanda, Major-General Collins Remy Ihekire (rtd) encouraged the preservation of unique cultural identities within Nigerian regions, emphasizing the importance of embracing shared heritage while acknowledging local distinctions.
Focusing on the Yoruba and Igbo ethnic groups, he stressed the value of unity and self-identification, urging communities to foster a sense of belonging while respecting the diverse dialects and customs that exist within each group.
He also addressed the phenomenon of some Igbo individuals disassociating themselves from their ethnic roots, suggesting that efforts should be made to bridge divisions and promote cultural pride.
He dismissed the idea that dialectical differences necessarily equate to separate languages, emphasizing that shared cultural practices and linguistic roots form the basis for a collective ethnic identity.
He said, “The Yoruba areas, let them identify themselves and build their region, they have a culture. The Igbo areas, be yourself. Though today some Igbo are now saying that they are no longer Igbo, but the affinity is still there.
The Igbo should make an effort to bring everyone together and not drive them away. Even when some of them are now claiming to be from Benin, you can claim to be Bini, but yet you speak Igbo language and practice Igbo customs and culture and not Bini. Perhaps, this is a misconception because of dialectical differences in language. If you’re using dialectical differences to mean language differences, it’s not correct.”
