Displacement and Identity: Igbo Diaspora of Canada, 1965-1985

Between 1965 and 1985, a significant number of Igbo, one of the three major cultural groups in Nigeria, migrated to Canada. This group of immigrants consists of victims of socio-political displacements that arose from the Nigerian civil war, which was fought when this cultural group attempted secession from Nigeria under the auspices of the Republic of Biafra, between July 6, 1967-January 15, 1970. As many Igbo began to leave Nigeria in search of a safe haven, Canada became one of the destinations for a significant proportion of the privileged class. It was certainly the knowledge of their previous encounters that propelled their choice of Canada. On arrival, they established socio-political organizations that created a sense of separate identity from the wider Nigerian community in Canada. This study focuses on the migration and identity formation of the second stream of Igbo immigrants in Canada, It highlights how displacement and victimization during the Nigerian civil war has propelled Igbo migration to Canada, and how their memories shaped their identity and activities in Canada. By examining the Igbo experiences during this period, the study situateS the Igbo Diaspora in Canada within a wider context, and in so doing, bring academic attention to the socio-political dimension of Igbo Diaspora. Keywords: Displacement, Identity, Diaspora, Migration

Historiography of Igbo Migrations and Diaspora

Migration is a universal phenomenon in the history of mankind as people have continued to move from one place to another perhaps for some socio-political and economic reasons. It may appear on the surface that the search for explanations of migration, as a social process, is a search for the obvious, yet historians and scholars of migration studies are still struggling to arrive at a consensus on the explanation of this concept and its changing dimensions. As a social process, migration discourse requires more than just a peripheral examination. There is then a need to look at the various dimensions and trends associated with this phenomenon. It is apparent that most migrations in Africa, and to an extent the world, are usually explained on economic and political forces, yet there are other dimensions and reasons why people leave their homes for another. Migration discourse therefore must seek to explain three inter-related issues; why people leave their homes for another, how they identified and see themselves in their host societies, and most importantly, why this phenomenon is a recurrent one. Historians have sought the explanation of migration using the push and pull factors.[1] The push postulates that there are detracting factors that pushes people away from their homelands to another. The pull factors are those attractions that draw prospective migrants to a place. These might be economic, environmental, political and other social issues. From the studies reviewed below, the major pattern of migration include the rural-urban, and Diaspora migrations. They could be classified as internal and external migration. Scholarship on Igbo and Nigerian migration  has tended to focus on the ‘why’ of migration laying much emphasis on economic explanations of voluntary  internal and external migrations in the area, thereby  paying less attention, if at all, on forced migration. Some historians subscribe to the argument that people used the political disturbances in Nigeria as a subterfuge to achieve their economic and social desire to migrate to more developed societies. The discussions on Igbo and Nigerian migrations outside the country also changed from explanations and justifications of migration to issues like ethnic identity formation of Igbo and Nigerian groups at their host societies and Diaspora discourse. This paper will examine migration dimension in Igboland, Nigeria and Africa in historical perspective and relate it to the contemporary global context. It argues that less attention has been paid to Igbo migration historiography on forced migrations especially the emigrants displaced as a result of political strife during and immediately after the Nigerian/Biafran war. [1] Chukwuemeka Onwubu, Etnic Identity, Political  Integration  and national Development, The  Igbo Diaspora in Nigeria”, Journal of Modern African Studies, Vol. 18. No.3.1973..403

Publishing and Literacy Development in Africa’s Indigenous Languages: The Igbo Example in Nigeria

Language is not just a vehicle of cultural expression, but an important symbol of social and political identity of any group. Without doubt, publishing provides a dominant signifier of such language. Publishing in Africa has been dominated by the colonial languages—notably English and French. Thus, colonial enterprise and legacies have resulted in the subjugation of publishing in Africa’s indigenous languages. Yet, there is a consensus among scholars that literacy and associated publication in first languages not only influences the nature of education but also promotes cultural identity. This paper examines the historical dynamism of literacy and publishing in Igbo language—one of the three major languages and cultural groups of Nigeria, in the context of the social and political developments in 20th century Nigeria. It argues that the fragility and problems of publishing in Igbo language was responsible to the dwindling interest in reading, writing and speaking of the language. Keywords: African Publishing, Colonialism, indigenous languages, Literacy Developmen

The Doldrums of Nigeria’s Amalgamation: A Historical Re-Appraisal

With a long historical background of interactions, the various ethno-linguistic groups occupying different regions and established on distinct cultural backgrounds, religious affiliations and political creeds were merged by the British authority in what became known as the 1914 Amalgamation. It was supposedly to be a historical landmark for Nigeria giant stride for greatness. However, those dreams and aspirations have never been realized. Thus, since the amalgamation, efforts have been geared towards a truly national integration where the chasm of distinct ethnic, cultural, religious and political ideologies would be assimilated into a united Nigeria. In colonial and post-colonial Nigeria, the British administrators and the Nigerian political leaders had respectively designed policies and programmes to ensure united country. Nevertheless, the lacunas among the regions and ethnic compositions have continued to widen founded on crisis of colonial creation, nationalists’ vituperations and politicians’ imbroglio. Hence, the doldrums in various facets of development in centenary Nigeria has remained endless. Consequently, Nigeria’s developmental stride has been stalled. The paper examines the doldrums of unity that have bedeviled hundred years of Nigeria. The methodology adopts primary and secondary sources as well as internet materials presented in text interpretation and thematic chronology. Keywords: Doldrums, Nigeria, Amalgamation, Colonialism, Nationalis

Nigerian Transnational Companies and Economic Development across Sub-Saharan Africa

In examining how the private sector could be gainfully engaged in economic development of African countries, issues such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework, multinational enterprise and livelihood option suffice. These are some key elements of a credible policy package that will promote private sector development and boost intra-African trade. Another vital area that needs to be creatively addressed in the capacitation of African enterprises is access to financial resources, which studies suggest is one of the major constraints to private sector development in Africa. As one of the largest economies in Africa, Nigeria has played a leading role in private sector engagement in economic development. A number of Nigerian transnational companies have extended their operations and maintained active presence in some other Africa countries, particularly Sub-Saharan African countries. In addition to their primary business, they have invested heavily in some human development sectors such as health, workforce development and infrastructure—initiatives which not only benefitted them, but create richer economies and enhance human capital development of the host countries. The study is mainly focused on the capital investments of two Nigerian Transnational Companies— Globalcom, a Telecommunication company and the Dangote Group—a manufacturing and trading firm.  The study uses their operations and investments across Sub-Saharan Africa as case studies of Nigeria’s private firms’ contribution to economic development in Africa. The study will look into published statistical records and other materials to generate information on trade and foreign investment within the study area. Keywords: Transnational Companies, Economic Development, Africa DOI: 10.7176/IAGS/83-05 Publication date:June 30th 202