WHERE ARE OUR POLITICIANS CHILDREN? Many of Abia politicians children have left their Homeland and Nigeria in pursuit of better education and economic opportunities abroad, most of them without the desire to return Home to contribute their own quota to the state. Yet, the majority of them still remain exiled in host regions and countries like the USA, Canada, Germany, Spain and the dispersion and population of Abians around the globe is growing at a faster rate. While residing abroad has offered Abians a wealth of opportunities not provided and possible in Nigeria, especially in Eastern Nigeria, this has sometimes come at the expense of their foreign-born children’s complete ethnic and cultural development. Abians born and raised outside of the Homeland and Nigeria are living in societies and environments that are not a true reflection of their culture, traditions, history, origin, and lineage, and therefore not their true identity. Some families are even finding that the most undesirable aspects of American culture have influenced their children. Their youths have adopted questionable habits, mannerisms, attitudes, and styles, often as a “fitting in” mechanism for the public school or neighborhood environments in which they find themselves. Beyond this, they are bombarded everyday with media that delivers messages that they should be like this, think like that, or act a certain way. Whatever the influences may be – good or bad – some Abia children are acquiring new socio- cultural identities, rather than embracing their God-given one like IKUKU OMA ABIA Engr Chinedu Orji. While it can be difficult to counter these types of overbearing influences in the host country, many Abia politicians and communities in the Diaspora are also to blame for squandering opportunities to culturally engage their children during their formative years. A number of factors contribute to this situation, including: lack of communication and sharing between politicians and children; activities that do not encourage youth participation; demanding work and school schedules; or simply denial, dismissal or ignorance of the problem. For example, given a culture that places a strong emphasis on the language for communication and acceptance, it is astonishing that most of the children living abroad cannot speak Igbo. This is an utter failing solely on the part of politicians, especially when one considers the fact that numerous immigrant groups have been successful in teaching their children their respective languages without comprising their ability to speak perfect English. Clearly, many of these politicians have been unable or unwilling to help their foreign-born children develop an Igbo identity, beyond their names. While some youths have developed a strong interest and awareness in Igbo culture as they have grown older, they may not be equipped with enough knowledge and foundation to pass on the culture and traditions to their own children – the next, next generation. When the family and cultural legacy are not bequeathed to the future generations of Igbos living outside of the Homeland, is this a failure in the duty to the forefathers, tradition, and society? Little wonder Engr. Chinedu Orji Ikuku Oma Abia decided to stay back home to dine with the rich and the poor without discrimination unlike other politicians children. He refused to travel abroad unlike his colleagues who are no where to be found. He has empowered uncountable number of youths both Abians and Non-Abians.
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 21:25:37 +0000