KINGSLEY EBERE
Ndigbo Media Forum, NMF, has advocated for the traditional Igbo apprenticeship system a.k.a Igba Boyi as a way of improving economic welfare of Ndigbo, which should not be allowed to die.
P.M.EXPRESS reports as was stated by the National Coordinator of Ndigbo Media Forum, Rev. Paul Eze, in his keynote address over the weekend in Enugu State as the Guest Speaker in an event organized by South East Concerned groups with the theme “Harnessing Our Igbo God Given Potentials”.
Rev Eze, in his remarks, described the ‘IGBA BOYI’ or ‘IGBA ODIBO’ as the secret of the Igbo success in trade and commerce.
“This Apprentice Training System offered many a path out of poverty and created a large number of millionaires and billionaires” he noted.
Eze, in his submission, stated that the Igbo apprenticeship system has seen to the emergence and development of numerous entrepreneurs within Nigeria and even beyond.
“It has helped improve the economic welfare of Ndigbo. The appretice system has enabled people to acquire lifelong skills such as starting, nurturing and running businesses, as well as building value chains. The igba boyi system has also demonstrated that market could deepen management accountability, competitiveness and profitability, while at the same time anchoring shared prosperity.”
“Igba boyi, the Igbo apprentice system has been recognized as the largest business incubator in the world. Thousands of business ventures are established and developed through it. In fact, it is worthy of note that almost all the notable business personalities from the South Eastern part of Nigeria are products of igbo apprentice system.”
Eze further stated, the ‘igba boyi’ tradition of the Igbos had lots to impact on the lives of the young ones that have the privilege to experience it. It teaches one to be prudent in spending, to consider every kobo or cent as valuable, and stimulates one to be creative, business wise. it also teaches one the values of being patient and respectful. it is a tradition that teaches the mentees to retain good memories of their humble beginnings.
Rev. Eze, in conclusion, urged Ndigbo to go back to their pristine values noting that the ” igba boyi or igba odibo” was one of the major ways by which the igbos were able to survive after the bitter and devastating three years of ‘genocide war’ and advised strongly that the “igba boyi” apprentice system should not die.
