In Nigeria, we have four ethnic
groups and not three. They are, Hausa, Ibo, Ijaw/Izon, and Yoruba.
In the diaspora, each ethnic
group tends to form associations of their own, bringing people together bound
by their common heritage with a view to keeping their cultures and traditions
alive. You can call it, having a little bit of home away from home.
Formerly, the Ijaws were
categorized under the Ibos, however, it was discovered that there were so many
differences in culture, lifestyles and languages. It was impossible to fit
under that particular ethnic group. The authorities made a very wise decision to
separate them, as since then the people
have thrived immeasurably.
In America, a group of women came
together on the 29th of October 2016 under the umbrella titled Ijaw Women of
America Inc. It was formed with a common goal to promoting the Ijaw people and
their cultural heritage to the wider world. The organisation is also an NGO
supporting Ijaw communities back in Nigeria.
In an interesting and educating
telephone conversation with Deborah Dein Abbey the public relations officer of the organisation,
I learnt quite a few new informations. One of which is that the Ijaw people do
not only inhabit the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, they cut across most
riverine areas of West Africa. Further research shows that the Ijaws are in
Sierra Leone and even Gabon.(I would never have thought)
Furthermore Deborah Abbey stated
that contrary to the notion,the Ijaws in Nigeria are only in Bayelsa, Rivers
and Delta states, they are also found in Akwa Ibom, Edo, Lagos and Ondo states.
The Arogbos, Ilajes, Obolos, Mahins Egbema etc. all fall under the Ijaw
community.
The organisation IWA Inc. is
mostly made up of Ijaw women working in different professional roles across the
USA. Some are lawyers, doctors,
engineers, judges, healthcare professionals and much more. Their aim is to
promote sisterhood, Ijaw norms, encourage unity, liberate and edify all Ijaw
women the world over. They are also preserving the original Ijaw religious
roots.
The organisation goes even
further by teaching the common similarities of cultures and languages within
the Ijaw communities so as to build a unified front. They also believe there is
the need to pass on the Ijaw heritage from generation to generation, so
informing the youths about their roots through different means is important as
well.
Having created the awareness and
stability of the organisation in America, the next step was to organise funding
for projects in Ijaw land. These projects not only help in alleviating poverty,
but also build social amenities for
different communities. IWA Inc. promotes the awareness of civil human rights,
they bring to the fore the current state of affairs in Ijaw land, and also
support rural Ijaw women morally and financially.
One major project that is
ongoing, is the provision of clean water for all Ijaw rural areas. This is
funded under the Clean Water For Ijaw
Land project. They have successfully commissioned a number of them within
different communities. From Arogbo to Tombia, the Ijaw Women of America Inc.
have provided clean pipeborne water to the people, and the list is set to
continue because, come the 31st of October the association will hold her 4th
annual fund raiser under the same title.
The current president of Ijaw
Women in America Inc. is Eunice Baratua Apreala. Going by how successful the
organisation has been and still is, taking into consideration the successful
projects carried out, one can only admire their ability to work together
regardless which Ijaw state you come from. They are a beacon of hope for the
Ijaw people, often seen as uncooperative and
unsupportive of one another.
Currently, there are different
media awareness campaigns running, regardless of the pandemic for the
forthcoming fund raiser. The campaigns showcases the diehard, dogged spirit of
the Ijaw people. It shows that no matter what, the show must go on whether it is held virtually or as normal, I
trust the women to put up a spectacular event no matter what.
The Ijaw people are rich in
cultural heritage. The flamboyance in their outfits, lifestyle, food,
dancesteps, music etc. is a thing of joy to behold. Accolades should be given
to the Ijaw Women of America Inc. who although are far away from home, are not
only preserving their heritage but also connecting positively with the
motherland. And as the Ijaws salute, Chanty's Fashion and Lifestyle,
alongside City People shouts a
resounding..
Ahhnnnn Izon!
We wish the Ijaw Women of America
every success in their endeavors.
Photo Credit: IWA Inc.
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