Migration and Cultural Identity Retention of Igbo Migrants in Ibadan, Nigeria

Ajani Oludele Albert,Onah Onodje

doi:10.5539/jsd.v9n2p137

Abstract

<p>Nigeria, a country of 170 million people and 250 ethnic nationalities presents a complex picture of internal migration within its geographical entity. This study investigated the issues relating to cultural identity retention among a highly migratory ethnic group, the Igbo, whose origin is in the Eastern part of Nigeria. The study employed exploratory research design. Twenty-five in-depth interviews were conducted and two focus group discussion sessions were held with members of <em>Eha Alumona</em> home town association in Ibadan, a city in the south western Nigeria. Data were collected during the association’s meetings and other cultural activities involving the members of the group. The study adopted thematic content analysis of its data. The findings indicate that the Igbo migrant association was a very active agency in the promotion of Igbo cultural identity among its members. Both material and non-material cultural elements were equally affected in the process of adaptation by the migrants. The study concludes that though the migrants indicated a high level of integration into their host culture, they continued to retain certain cultural elements of their community of origin.</p>

Highlights

Internal migration remains one viable means of cultural diffusion among different ethnic nationalities
This study investigated the issues relating to cultural identity retention among a highly migratory ethnic group, the Igbo, whose origin is in the Eastern part of Nigeria
The findings indicate that the Igbo migrant association was a very active agency in the promotion of Igbo cultural identity among its members

Summary

Introduction

Internal migration remains one viable means of cultural diffusion among different ethnic nationalities. It enhances the diffusion of traits of a culture into another (Briney, 2009). In the process of this diffusion, immigrants may retain certain elements of their culture. Cultural retention is the act of retaining the culture of a specific ethnic group, especially when there is reason to believe that the culture, through inaction, may be lost. Many African-American, European and Asian organizations have cultural retention programs in place. In Nigeria as in other parts of Africa, Home Town Associations of migrants have been at the fore in cultural retention activities

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