Igbo Technology has evolved. Understanding Igbo technology will require a look back in time, a mirror of the present and a gaze into the future. The technological advancement of the Igbo Nation has been the biggest proof of our prolonged existence in our present habitation. Archeological discoveries have validated the Igbo’s technological prowess.
Every civilization has its powering technology. In the case of the Igbo Nation, our civilization drives its power from our effective use of technology. The Republican and entrepreneurial nature of the Igbos made this technological inclination very possible. Today, we are one of the largest groups in West Africa. Earlier, we used to be a collection of fragmented Igboid territories. Technological advancements must have limited attacks on the fragmented precolonial Igbo societies.
Most West African tribes of old were famous for waging wars. Before the arrival of the colonialists, the Igbo Nation was a fragment of territories. Kingdoms surrounded these Igbo territories at several angles. Some of the Kingdoms were larger than the Igbo sub-territories.
Igbo technology must have been the most potent deterrent in the face of more powerful kingdoms. Such technological advancements in iron smelting must have offered the capacity for the mass production of deadly weapons of those days. This must have created a trade interest among the nearby Kingdoms rather than conquest interest.
The Kingdoms of Benin and Igala were two powerful Kingdoms in the borders of West and Northern Igboland. At some point in history, they were relatively aggressive Kingdoms. Our technology must have shielded us from attacks even as Fragmented Republicans.
One of the most prominent Igbo technology with evidence surviving today is the iron smelting point at Lejja Nsukka. This archeological site has been proven to be in existence for thousands of years. The Iron smelting ability of the Igbos is one of such tremendous Igbo technology achievements of old. Iron smelting in Lejja is one of the oldest in the world.
Today, Igbo technology continues to grow on every side. Igboland is currently leading in different industry and technological spheres. We now have car-producing companies. Several airlines and other advanced technological productions are going on. As the days go by, Igbo technology continues to thrive.
Among Several Challenges Facing the Igbo Nation, going back to technology is our biggest emancipation. In Africa today. AlaIgbo is one of the shining lights of industry and technology. Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa. The Igbo Nation plays a significant role in the country as an industrial and technological powerhouse. Several time the debates of the Igbo socio-polical situation in Nigeria has taken center table. This has dominated the media discussion in Nigeria’s local media and international focus.
There are several terminologies by which the Igbo Nation has been addressed. Some of these are divisive even within the Igbo society. But Igbo technology seems to be an area we all deploy to pursue our objectives. Nearly all the popular Igbo pursuits, whether secessionists or unionists, seek to deploy technology as a core aspect. The call is loud for the Igbo technology to resurface as the core Igbo value.
We have solidified our place as the most enterprising Nation in Africa. Also, we have built industries and overseen trade in diverse fields. We have evolved some of the most thriving business models, creating a wealthy class of people. It is time to seek to advance our technology. For thousands of years, we have smelted metals. Technology has changed today, but in the basics driven by the same passion. The Igbo Nation can lead again and put Igbo technology on world notice.
The future is bright if we seek to make technology the backbone of our agitations. To build to emancipate ourselves from backwardness. To create the future that we deserve. These things may be achievable quicker with Igbo technology rebirth rather than public demonstrations. Everything has its place and time. The freedom we seek is to build the destiny we deserve. This can be achieved through technology. Let’s go back to our culture. Technology is our culture.
Today, there has been a psychological play to assume that Africa is backward in technology. Perhaps we overlook the Egyptian pyramid and say let’s come home to West Africa. Remember the walls of Benin? Where do you think the iron used for the construction came from? The Benin Kingdom is one of the notable Kingdoms of old. Aro confederacy was also a thriving commercial empire. If Sub-Saharan Africa was that backward, why did the colonialists meet all these sophisticated civilizations in place?
The Igbos have been circumcising male children. Such practice wouldn’t have been safe without advanced hygiene and effective medicine. How did we achieve that if we were not advanced? Sometimes, the future is only a reinvention of the past. We are a diverse Republican people with an inclination towards technology at all times. It is time to bring back the Igbo technology and build the AlaIgbo of our dreams.
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