What is Igwebuike?
At the heart of Igbo worldview is a powerful, unifying philosophy known as Igwebuike (pronounced Ee-gweh-boo-ee-keh). This single word is a profound cultural proverb that translates roughly to “The multitude is strength” or “There is strength in numbers.” It is more than just a saying; it is the philosophical engine that drives everything from community governance to mutual support systems.
The Root of Igbo Identity
Igwebuike is built on the concept of interdependence. It dictates that an individual’s success and survival are intrinsically tied to the well-being of the collective.
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Igwe means multitude, crowd, or sky (representing vastness).
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Bu means is.
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Ike means strength, power, or energy.
This philosophy emphasizes that collective effort multiplies strength, making it the cultural foundation for the very principle that guides our association: “UNITY AND PROGRESS” (Idi n’otu na Oganihu).
Igwebuike in Action: The ANIT Example
For Ndi Igbo in the diaspora, Igwebuike is a guiding light, helping us recreate a sense of community and security far from home. You can see this philosophy reflected in the everyday operations of the Association of Ndi Igbo in Tallahassee (ANIT):
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Mutual Welfare: When a member faces a hardship, the entire association rallies around them—a clear demonstration of Article 8.1 (Welfare Committee) in practice.
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Community Development: Our collective contribution to charitable causes in Tallahassee and development projects in Igbo Land (Article 4) is possible only because we pool our resources and efforts.
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Governance: The decisions of our General House are reached by consensus and simple majority, acknowledging the power and authority derived from the entire multitude of our membership.
Why Does This Matter in Tallahassee?
Living in Tallahassee, Igwebuike serves as a powerful reminder that while we pursue individual success (intellectually, socially, and economically), our community remains our most important resource. It calls on every member, from students at local colleges to our esteemed elders, to contribute their unique strength to the group.
By understanding and embodying Igwebuike, we not only preserve a core aspect of our rich culture but also actively ensure the progress and resilience of the Igbo community right here in Florida.
“Otu Onye anaghi agha ogu”
