OdinalaHSV

Welcomes You

In Memory of Mazi Sydney Egbujo

Our brother, husband, uncle, and father has gone to be with the lord.

January 29, 2025

He is survived by his wife (Oriaku Adamma Egbujo) and three adult children

Who We Are

Odinala are the Igbos of Nigeria
(Anyi bu ndi Igbo)

We are people from the Southeastern parts of Nigeria. We make up Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states as well as parts of Delta, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states of Nigeria. Today, you will find Igbos in every corner of the world, including Huntsville Alabama. It is here therefore, that we have come together to form the premier association of "Ndi Igbo" to promote Igbo Language and Culture in this corner of the world as well as pass our rich heritage onto our children.

What We Do

Preserving the Igbo Culture

Our core purpose is three-fold:

1. Promote and foster the igbo language and culture

2. Pass the torch of our heritage to our children through education (Igbo language classes), cultural awareness, participation and fellowship

3. Facilitate and promote the advancement of positive social agenda in Igbo land

Benefits

(1) Foster wholesome relationships among Ndi Igbo/members;
(2) Assist members in times of need;
(3) Receive assistance for approved ceremonies and activities;
(4) Life Insurance;
(5) Teaching of Igbo language to our children;
(6) Various scholarships and graduation gifts;
(7) Exposing the youths to volunteerism, conferences, and leadership activities;

“What you do in your lifetime informs the generations that come after"

Dave Chapelle

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KOLANUT IN IGBO LAND

The history of giving visitors kolanut in Igboland cannot be traced, but one of the many things common among Ndị Igbo is serving kolanut to visitors. This is a tradition learnt from our forefathers. The first thing given to a visitor in Igboland is considered as kolanut.

In this article, the emphasis is on kolanut not on things that could substitute kolanut in Igboland. When a visitor enters the home of an Igbo person , if there is no kolanut to serve, the host can say "akọna m ọnụ ọjị", "ka m jide gị ụgwọ ọjị", "ọjị juru ụlọ" or "abalị atala ọjị" (that is, if the visitor came in the night).

Kolanut is not sweet to chew but it is a vital part of Igbo traditional society. Kolanut features in almost all Igbo ceremony. Serving kolanut to a visitor indicates a heartily welcome to the person.

Traditions Surrounding Igbo Kolanut

The breaking of kolanut is a tradition held in high esteem in Igboland. Some of these traditions includes

(1) A woman does not climb the iroko tree (osisi oji) in Igboland. It is considered as a taboo and abomination.
(2) When a person steals anything aside from kolanut in Igboland, he or she will be punished but when kolanut is being stolen, it is seen as a

great abomination.
(3) Men break kolanut, both young and elderly. People that commits abomination (ihe ala na-asọ nsọ) do not break kolanut hence, the Igbo

saying "ọjị bụ nwa Amadị, aka rụrụ arụ anaghị aga ya n'ihu". (kolanut represents freedom, a filthy hand does not touch it).
(4) A man does not break kolanut at his in-laws place.
(5) An elderly will not be in a gathering and a young man breaks kolanut. It's seen as being disrespectful. Unless the elderly man delegates the

duty.
(6) A woman does not break kolanut in the mist of men neither does she pray with it (iji ya gọọ ọfọ).
(7) A woman can present a kolanut but can not break it, unless she is a native doctor. She can break it and eat

alone with her spiritual entities. She has to present a separate one to the male folks to break by themselves.

Types of Igbo Kolanut

Ndị Igbo have a special name and meaning attached to the partitions of a kolanut (iberibe ọjị gbara or nkeji ọjị gbara) There are different types of Igbo kolanut :

(a) The kolanut without partition (nke gbara naanị otu ibe or nke gbaghị ibe ọbụla) is called blind kolanut (ọjị isi).

This kolanut is considered as a bad omen. Human and spirit do not accept it. This type of kolanut is trashed

once seen.
(b) Hausa kolanut (ọjị Awụsa) It comes in two partitions. Ndị Igbo see it as a kolanut that does not really bring

good fortune but it can not be trashed. This kolanut can not be used for prayers (ịgọ ọfọ) while in some places

in Igboland, it can not be used to perform any tradition.
(c) Another interesting Igbo kolanut is ọjị ikenga or ọjị dike (mighty kolanut) It comes in three partitions which is \

considered as wholeness or completeness. It is a kolanut that brings good fortune.
(d) Other types comes in four, five, and six partitions. The four partitioned kolanut represents Igbo four market

days known as Eke, Orie, Afọ, and Nkwọ. It is also a good kolanut. The five and six partitioned kolanut point

towards wealth. Whoever that breaks these types of kolanut have the believe that wealth is coming to him.

Uses of Kolanut in Igboland

It is used to enter into covenant in order to retain relationship or partnership.

It is used to plead on one's behalf or another's behalf. It can also be used to ask for a favour.

It is used to ask for a woman's hand in marriage (to her people not to the lady directly. The man will have to send kolanut to the parents of the lady he wants to marry, declaring his intention).

It is used to say a prayer (ịgọ ọfọ). For instance, during the naming ceremony of a child, elders use kolanut to pray to God or to a deity).

It is used to welcome visitor(s).

It is used for divination.

It is used to conduct sacrifice and burial ceremony.#Igbo #Igbolinguist #igbolanguage #language #ndịigbo #Igboteacher