In the summer of 2023, I had the opportunity to sit down with Anierobi Anionwu, the founder of Okwuo, a platform dedicated to telling the untold stories of the Igbo people. As someone who shares a passion for preserving and promoting Igbo culture through my work with Okwu ID, it was an enlightening and thought-provoking conversation. During which we explored the evolving role of culture, identity, and community in a world where diaspora populations are increasingly trying to reconnect with their roots.
Starting with the Personal: Our Shared Origins
Anierobi and I share a common background. Both of us hail from Nigeria, and we are deeply influenced by our Igbo heritage. Yet, as our conversation revealed, the way we connect to that heritage and the ways weโve tried to engage with our communities have evolved over time.
โI think the hardest part is capturing peopleโs attention with stories they feel they already know,โ Anierobi told me as we began discussing the origins of his platform, Okwuo. โWhen we first started, we focused on the things that were most familiarโtraditional festivals, foods, and cultural practices. But thereโs so much more to tell. The Igbo story is rich, diverse, and often, itโs not being told in a way that resonates with the younger generation.โ
This idea of moving beyond the well-trodden narratives resonated with me. At Okwu ID, our mission has always been to engage the Igbo diaspora, but in ways that feel meaningful and fresh. Anierobiโs journey with Okwuo seemed to mirror my own in many ways, especially in terms of evolving our platforms to meet the needs of a changing audience.
The Evolution of Okwuo: From Familiar to Dynamic
When I asked Anierobi about the development of Okwuo, he was candid about the challenges of getting started. โAt first, we played it safe,โ he said. โPeople wanted to see what they knewโstories about our traditional values and customs. But as we grew, we realised that people also wanted to see new narratives, ones that push the boundaries of what it means to be Igbo in todayโs world.โ
This shift in focus marked a turning point for Okwuo, and Anierobi was quick to point out that creating a platform isnโt just about content, but about fostering a sense of belonging. “Our goal is to reach the Igbo people, no matter where they are in the world. Whether theyโre in Nigeria or part of the diaspora, they should feel like they have a space to come back to.”
At Okwu ID, weโve also seen the importance of having a centralised space for connection, especially for younger generations. I mentioned to Anierobi that having a website acts like a beaconโa place for those who might feel disconnected from their roots to find information, culture, and community all in one place.
Cultural Confusion in the Diaspora
We moved on to discuss one of the major challenges both of our platforms aim to address: the sense of cultural confusion experienced by many in the diaspora, particularly younger people. โFor so many in the diaspora, thereโs this gap,โ Anierobi noted. โYou donโt quite fit into Nigerian society, but you also donโt fully belong in the country youโre living in. It creates this identity crisis.โ
Anierobi and I agreed that understanding your cultural background is vital in fostering self-confidence and a sense of belonging. Weโve both seen how this confusion can lead to disconnection, but also how reconnecting with oneโs roots can be incredibly empowering.
Bringing the Community Together: Events and Collaboration
During our conversation, Anierobi shared his idea of organising a virtual conference that would bring together prominent Igbo bloggers, writers, and influencers. โIt could be a three-day event,โ he explained. โWeโd get the key voices from the Igbo community and focus on different aspects of our cultureโlanguage, film, music, and identity.โ
This idea immediately struck a chord with me. For both Okwu ID and Okwuo, itโs clear that collaboration is crucial. We need spaces where the diaspora can come together, not just to consume content, but to engage, discuss, and build a collective cultural narrative.
Challenges with Funding and Resources
Of course, building these platforms and organising events is not without its challenges. As we discussed funding, I shared with Anierobi the difficulties Iโve faced in sustaining Okwu ID. Many of our initiatives have been personally financed, and finding external funding has often been an uphill battle.
Anierobi offered some insightful suggestions on this front, particularly the idea of compensating contributors in creative ways, even when funds are limited. โWe might not have a lot of money right now, but we can offer value in other ways. Sometimes itโs about giving people the platform and visibility they need. Later, the financial backing will come.โ
A Cultural Renaissance on Social Media
We both acknowledged the resurgence of interest in Igbo culture, particularly among younger generations on social media. โThereโs a cultural renaissance happening,โ Anierobi said. โYou see it in the way young people are embracing the Igbo language, sharing their experiences, and taking pride in their heritage.โ
Itโs a trend weโve noticed at Okwu ID as well. Social media has become a powerful tool for cultural revival, with influencers playing a key role in bringing Igbo culture back into the spotlight. This renaissance is especially striking when compared to previous generations, many of whom may have suppressed their heritage in favour of assimilation. Whereas we see a future where people can embrace their heritage as well as celebrate and adapt to the culture of where they are living.
The Legacy of the Nigerian Civil War
Our conversation eventually turned to the topic of the Nigerian Civil War and its lasting impact on the Igbo people. โA lot of our parents didnโt teach us Igbo because of the trauma they experienced during the war,โ Anierobi reflected. โThey wanted to shield us from that history.โ
This avoidance of the past, coupled with more recent socio-political movements like the #EndSARS protests and Peter Obiโs presidential campaign, has led to a renewed awareness of cultural identity among the Igbo. โThereโs a new sense of pride, a new sense of belonging,โ Anierobi observed.
Looking Ahead: Hope for the Future
As we wrapped up our conversation, it became clear that both Anierobi and I share a sense of optimism for the future. While the challenges of preserving and promoting Igbo culture remain, there is hope that the next generation will continue to embrace their roots.
โThereโs no reason why young people shouldnโt be able to celebrate their identity,โ Anierobi said with conviction. โItโs our job to make sure they have the platforms, the resources, and the encouragement to do so.โ
For me, our conversation reaffirmed the importance of platforms like Okwuo and Okwu ID. Together, we are part of a larger movementโone that seeks to ensure that the Igbo story is told, shared, and celebrated across the world.
Written by Chinye, Okwu ID
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