…Empowering Edda Youths in the Diaspora and at Home; Bridging Heritage with Global Leadership Opportunities
Edda as a clan can be found in the Afikpo South now known as and to be recognized as Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, South eastern part of Nigeria.
It boarders Afikpo and Amasiri in the Ebonyi south senatorial district and Ohafia in Abia State senatorial district. Edda has several communities, such as Ekoli, Owutu, Nguzu, Ebunwana, Amangwu, Oso, Eititi and many others in addition to the number of 72 villages.
As an indigene of Ekoli Edda, my connection to our homeland has been nurtured through stories of breath taking landscapes, deep-rooted traditions, and a people defined by resilience.
Though I did not grow up at home, its allure has always felt tangible, especially when my father speaks of the rolling hills, serene valleys, and vibrant festivals that make it a treasure within Ebonyi State and beyond. Beyond its cultural richness, Edda also holds untapped touristic potentials that, when combined with its heritage, can inspire the next generation of global leaders.
One of the most fascinating traditions I grew up learning about is the ‘Ikwu family system’ a tradition known as matrilineal clans. This system mandates an offspring to his or her maternal lineage more than the paternal. This tradition holds a strong influence on inheritance, marriage and communal identity. Some of the known Ikwus in Edda Clan though numerous but includes: Ibe-Uma, Ibe-Ogbagha, Ibe-Udu, Ibe-Omaka, Ibe-Akante, Ibe-Anuma, Ibe-Okwu, Ibe-Ewuali, Ibe-Orie, Ibe-Mgberenwa, Ibe-Awo (of which I am apart of) to mention a few.
The stories I’ve heard describe Edda as more than just a community; it is a sanctuary of natural beauty, cultural pride and a collection of natural epicentre of tourist location bank. From the famous Ndi-Iba Cave to a litle known Olo Ekoli, Ogba-Letu spring, Iyi-Esaa streams, 19 corners, Ezi-Eku forest and many more. The striking hills of Olo UguOko, 19 corners, the pristine waters of iminika, and the historical significance of sites like the Offia-Edda Shrine are not only symbols of Edda’s heritage but also opportunities for global recognition.
These features, coupled with festivals like the Ike-ji (new yam festival) and traditional dances like Egba-Nzu, Eyighiya, Obumeme, Oji-Enya are hubs of cultural and ecological and touristic potential waiting to be explored.
The Legacy of Edda:
A Foundation for Leadership Edda’s traditions are deeply woven into its social fabric, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among its people. Practices such as the Iba-Ogo or Ipu Ogo tradition emphasis on initiation into manhood and the communal ethos reflected in farming and festivals teach us the value of working together for collective progress. These lessons are not just relics of the past; they are blueprints for effective leadership in today’s interconnected world.
For Edda youths, both at home and in the diaspora, these traditions provide a strong foundation for navigating the complexities of modern leadership. The emphasis on unity, respect, and shared success resonates deeply with the qualities needed to inspire collaboration and trust in diverse environments.
Harnessing Tourism as a Tool for Empowerment
Tourism presents an untapped avenue for empowering Edda youths. By promoting the natural and cultural heritage of Edda, we can create opportunities for economic growth, skill development, and global engagement. Imagine eco-tourism projects that showcase Edda’s hills and valleys, cultural festivals that attract visitors from around the world, and digital platforms that tell the stories of Edda’s history and people.
Bridging Heritage and Global Opportunities:
For Edda youths in the diaspora, the challenge is to remain connected to these roots, using their global exposure to shine a light on Edda’s treasures. For those at home, the task is to translate heritage into opportunities that inspire pride and create pathways to success. To empower Edda youths for leadership on a global scale, we must bridge the gap between heritage and modern-living. This involves not only preserving our culture and traditions but also reimagining them as tools for growth and innovation. We can begin by:
1. Developing projects that highlight Edda’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, attracting both local and international visitors. These could include guided tours of historical sites, cultural festivals, and eco-friendly lodges that provide employment for local youths. The popular Edda Day Festival should be one of the biggest events in Ebonyi State and it not only celebrates our culture and traditional values but also celebrates our unity and communal spirit, and can serve as a platform for cultural exchange and fostering pride in Edda’s rich heritage and promotes the young human resources in form of talents and skills that the younger generation of indigenes have to offer.
2. Promoting the tourism and cultural initiatives that Edda has to offer the globe. A lot of rich and untapped potentials lies in the touristic areas of Edda through this young people, home and abroad, we can fund and promote and create an awareness globally.
3. Imbibing the values of accountability, unity, and resilience drawn from Edda’s traditions that can prepare youths for impactful roles in any field of government.
4. Using social media and other digital platforms to share Edda’s stories, highlighting its landscapes, festivals, and cultural practices. This not only preserves these narratives but also positions Edda as a destination of interest for tourists and researchers.
Edda is more than just a place; it is a symbol of resilience, unity, and untapped potential. Its rich traditions and natural beauty offer lessons and opportunities for empowering youths to become leaders who are deeply rooted in their identity yet fully capable of engaging with the global stage.
Together, we can ensure that Edda is not just known for its past but celebrated for the leaders and innovations it inspires in the future. My name is Chinazaekpere ‘Ogeri’ Deborah Jane Eze and I’ll forever be proud to be an indigene of Edda, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
About Chinaza Deborah Jane Eze
Chinaza Deborah Jane Eze is a young, passionate daughter of Edda Origin. She has always maintained a strong connection to her heritage and culture, nurtured through stories, visits to her village, and her relationship with her father and his people.
She has a background in International Relations and Diplomacy and has contributed significantly to the Nigerians in Diaspora Youth Wing in Benin Republic, volunteering as the organization’s secretary.
Chinaza enjoys traveling and writing, driven by her love for storytelling—which inspired this article. Through her work and personal endeavours, Ogeri, as she is fondly called, is enthusiastic about the values and traditions of her village, making a positive impact on both the local and broader community.
