MBIRI MY PRIDE BY
MERCY ADA ANYIWE, Ph.D, FNES, MAEA, FIL, FCAI
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS
UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN-CITY.
A lecture delivered at Mbiri Patriotic Union (MPU) Annual General Meeting held on 26th
December, 2024 at the Site of Mbiri Unity Hall, Obi Quarters, Mbiri.
PROTOCOLS:
Your Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Ifeanyi Alekwe II, King of Mbiri Kingdom
Your Excellencies and Honourables here Present
The Council of Chiefs and Elders of Mbiri
The President-General and Members of Mbiri Patriotic Union (MPU)
Chairman and Members, Mbiri Renaissance Movement (MRM), and other
Unions
Noble Mbiri people;
All Professors here Present
Gentle Men of the Press, Ladies and Gentle Men.
Introduction:
It is an honour and my delight to present this lecture on the theme “Mbiri, My Pride.”
As an economist, a professor, and most importantly, a daughter of Mbiri, this topic
transcends mere reflections, it calls for a rigorous examination of what makes Mbiri
not only the pride of her people but also a community with enormous untapped
potentials that can position the town as “Mbiri my Pride; as Mbiri your Pride; and
ultimately, as Mbiri the Pride of Africa”.
The essence of pride is rooted in value—both intrinsic and extrinsic. My academic
journey, which began in the nurturing arms of Mbiri, led me far beyond its borders; yet,
each step in my professional ascent has been underscored by the deep values,
heritage, and identity instilled in me by this great town. Mbiri is my pride because it
provided the foundation upon which I built my academic and professional life. Mbiri, to me, represents the essence of identity, heritage, and pride.
It is the soil of my birth, the
cradle of my education, and the foundation upon which I have built my professional
and academic life. But pride in a community should be continually renewed through
growth, progress, and adaptation to the changing dynamics of the global economy.
Thus, this paper has been structured to share with us what makes “Mbiri my Pride”
and how, with a collective effort, it will continue to be the pride of every Mbiri son and
daughter for generations to come.
II: Mbiri’s Historical Heritage and the Enduring Legacy
Tradition has it that Mbiri was founded by a man known as Airen in about 1245 AD,
(Ukala, 2012). Airen who was said to be a prince from one of the Ogisos of the ancient Benin Kingdom, migrated from Benin and being the first person to arrive in the land
decided to settle here stating “Ni m Biri” meaning “Let me Settle”. The town came to
be known by his statement “Ni m Biri” which later was simplified as “Mbiri”.
Mbiri is not merely a geographical location; it is an intellectual and cultural ecosystem
that shapes the identities of her people. As I reflect on my formative years—nurtured
by the close-knit fabric of this community—it is clear that the foundational principles of
discipline, communal support, and the pursuit of excellence in me took root here.
These early lessons were instrumental as I progressed through academic institutions
outside Mbiri, ultimately shaping my contributions as a Professor of Economics. Let me share a story with respect to the close-knit fabric and communal support of Mbiri
community. In the 60’s while in the primary school I had a quarrel with one of my
friends, a girl. She was a bit older and bigger than me then, but I had developed
personal weapons for fighting or dealing with bigger or stronger fellows. So, as we
went into an argument and a fight, before she could overpower me, I applied the two
weapons I had developed (inflicting wounds on her with my sharp nails and teeth) she
immediately abandoned the fight and ran home to call her mother since she lived close
to the school. Before I could imagine what was happening, the mother was there with
a long stick.
Interestingly, the mother recognized me as the daughter of her friend
Beatrice Nwaoji Ukala, and she exclaimed — (Oooh, Onwa wuu wa Beeah. Oooh, Bu
Enne ri, Bu Enne ri). To this statement which she kept repeating to the surprise of her
own daughter, I quickly retorted ignorantly – “Me eri ehia, elem Ogbomah”. To my
surprise everyone there including the daughter started laughing and the woman simply
left the scene, laughing aloud also. Her statement simply translated meant – (Oooh, this is Beatrice’s daughter, set your mother aside, and I would deal with you). To this extent, she could not beat or strike the daughter of her close friend or someone from
the same quarter. This signified the strong ties, close-knit fabric and communal life of
Mbiri community where everyone was his or her brother’s keeper. And I hope this
“close-knit fabric and communal life of Mbiri” is still the same now, in the year 2024.
This is one of the sources of my pride.
Economically, Mbiri’s legacy is one of resilience and self-reliance. Our town has survived and thrived not just because of its physical resources but because of the
collective strength of her people. These values, deeply embedded in Mbiri’s culture,
form the foundation of what we can call economic and social capital—capital that must now be mobilized for greater purposes. Let us hold fast to such Mbiri culture and
values, “the Enduring Legacies of Mbiri” which would translate into greater
economic and social capital and then will be the Pride of all Mbiri indigenes.
III: The Natural Splendour of Mbiri and Harnessing the Potentials of Mother
Nature The geographical blessings of Mbiri are unparalleled. Endowed with fertile lands, lush
vegetation, and a pleasant climate conducive to agriculture and livelihood, the town’s
natural resources hold the potential for transformative economic growth and
development. These resources, when intelligently harnessed, could position Mbiri as
a hub for agricultural innovation and sustainability in the region. The river that flows through our land, the lakes at Mbiri, the forests that surround us, and the fertile plains
that have sustained generations of Mbiri people are all testaments to the abundance
of Mother Nature’s gifts to our community and hence the natural splendor of Mbiri. It
is important to mention here that the Mbiri river – “Iyi Akwa” at Mbiri is the source of
Orogodo river at Agbor and the river flows through other communities such as OwaOfie, Ekuma-Abavo, Oyoko, Urhonigbe etc, and ends up in River Ethiope according
to Arimoro et al., (2007). Thus, the source of Akwa River or Mbiri River located at MbiriUgboko is the source of other rivers or streams namely – Orogodo river, Ofie stream,
Igbogili stream and Urhonigbe river, (Ukala, 2012). This natural splendour and tourists’
potential is waiting to be harnessed.
The theory of comparative advantage, a cornerstone of economic thought, dictates
that communities should focus on their inherent strengths. Mbiri’s fertile soil, ideal for the cultivation of diverse crops and “the source of rivers” positions the town as a key player in agriculture and tourism, having a comparative advantage over other
communities. However, to unlock the full potentials of our land, there must be a
deliberate focus on modernizing agricultural practices. A shift toward agribusiness—
integrating technology, value-chain development, and market linkages—will not only
enhance productivity but also create wealth and employment opportunities for our
youth.
Furthermore, Mbiri’s landscapes, serene environment and natural splendour present
opportunities for eco-tourism and conservation-based economic activities. These
sectors, if properly developed, could attract national and international interest,
providing revenue streams that will benefit our community for generations. This is a
strategic approach to sustainable development—one that aligns with global trends
towards green economies.
With the right investment and focus, Mbiri can become a beacon of sustainable growth,
and remain “My Pride and Our Pride” attracting both local and international attention
to its rich natural endowments.
IV: Education, Folktales and Human Capital Development in Mbiri
Education (whether Western or Traditional) has gradually become a priority in Mbiri.
The town now boasts a high literacy rate, with many of her sons and daughters
excelling in academia and professional fields. Education serves as the foundation for
human capital development, providing the skills and knowledge necessary to drive
economic growth.
Today, Mbiri can boast of numerous secondary and tertiary
institutions graduates, Lawyers, Engineers, Lecturers, Medical-Doctors, (other
professionals); Ph.D holders, Senior Advocates (SANs), Professors, Emeritus
Professor etc. The fact that Mbiri community (unlike some other communities) has
embraced and has continued to invest in education is a source of “pride” to many of
us. Education remains the most powerful tool for empowering our people. Mbiri people
over the centuries have also used folktales or traditional stories and the songs that
come with them as means of informal education to impact training, discipline and
wisdom on the youth. I always recall the folktale of the “The Motherless Girl and the
Cherry Tree” and the song attached to it makes it indelible on our minds. The song:
Udara da, da da Nda.
Nwuye Nna mo, Nda; Zuta Udara na Afia, Nda.
Ye mo, oju Nda; Elu Uwa bu Oriri Nda.
Onye Tosia Olaba Nda.
This tale illustrates how “mother nature” can come to our aid in solving life problems if
we are resourceful. The summary of the story is that the Step Mother of the girl shared
the cherry she bought from the market only among her own children. But the
Motherless girl picked up the cherry seed that was thrown away and planted it. The
seed germinated and flourished into a big cherry tree that latter made the motherless
girl so rich while the Step Mother and her children became subservient. The economic
lesson here is enormous and it underlines the need to be productive. Nigeria is a poor
country today because we have refused to be productive. And if many Nigerians can
make meaning out of this story and the song, many people will drop the ideas of being
greedy and stealing of Nigerian resources which have now turned Nigeria into the
poverty-city of the World.
We must continue to invest in education at all levels and then continue to uphold the
informal education through folktales, ensuring that every child in Mbiri has access to
quality learning opportunities. Thus, the establishment of scholarship programs,
mentorship programs, and vocational training initiatives by Mbiri indigenes and wellwishers are highly solicited here to maintain and continue to create the “Mbiri of our
Pride”.
V: Mbiri People: Character, Communal Cooperation and Inter-City Peaceful
Relationships
The character and culture of Mbiri people are steeped in the traditional values such as
respect for elders, the sanctity of communal decision-making, and the promotion of
peace and unity. Traditional institutions like the Obi (traditional ruler) and community
councils play pivotal roles in maintaining order and guiding the people.
The Character of Mbiri People that Create Pride include the following:
Industriousness and entrepreneurial: The Mbiri people are renowned for
their hard work and self-reliance. Agriculture remains the backbone of our
economy, with food crops such as cassava, yam, and plantain, being the staples; and cash crops such as palm trees, coco-nuts, cocoa, rubber etc.
Beyond farming, trading and craftsmanship are other significant economic
activities, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit.
Resilience: Despite economic and environmental challenges, the Mbiri people
exhibit resilience. This trait is seen in their adaptability and resourcefulness, as
they find innovative ways to overcome difficulties and sustain their livelihoods.
Peacefulness: Known for their peaceful disposition, the Mbiri people value
harmony within and outside their community. Disputes are often resolved
through traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms, reflecting their commitment
to maintaining social order instead of rushing every issue to the court rooms
which some other communities do very often.
Generosity and Hospitality: The Mbiri community is welcoming to outsiders
and generous in their dealings with non-indigenes. The cultural philosophy of
Mbiri emphasizes sharing and inclusivity, fostering strong bonds both within the
community, with neighbouring towns and with visitors.
Communal Cooperation in Mbiri: Which include – Shared Responsibilities
such as coperation in farming, construction of homes and infrastructure,
environmental sanitation and cultural festivals. –
The Role of Development
Associations in Communal Cooperation: The Mbiri Patriotic Union (MPU)
exemplifies the spirit of collective progress in the community. Through this body,
members of the community come together to plan and execute developmental
projects, ranging from educational initiatives to healthcare improvements. Other
associations that have impacted on our community include Mbiri Renaissance
Movement (MRM) and Mbiri Vigilante Group and many others.
Mbiri People and Inter-City Peaceful Relationships: The Mbiri people are
renowned for their culture of hospitality and peace, which has fostered strong intercity relationships with neighbouring communities.
Historically, Mbiri had records of conflicts and intercity wars particularly over lands or
boundaries, but since the Independence of Nigeria (since 1960, particularly after the
current Obi, HRM, Obi Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Alekwe II, JP was installed), Mbiri has been
a hub of trade and cultural exchange, with its people often engaging in harmonious
partnerships with neighbouring towns such as Umunede, Emuhu, Olijie, Ekpon, Owa, Agbor and Igbodo. These alliances are sustained by shared festivals, inter-community
marriages, and cooperative economic ventures, all of which emphasize unity and
peaceful coexistence.
This culture of peace and cooperation reflects the core values of the Mbiri people,
portraying them as ambassadors of unity and agents of regional stability.
Their
commitment to fostering inter-city peaceful relationships not only strengthens
communal bonds but also upholds Mbiri’s reputation as a beacon of peace. Let me
recall here, about how many indigenes of neigbouring towns used to fetch water from
Mbiri River and how Mbiri people used to assist them. Let us draw example from one
man called Jerome. He was an Igbo man who lived at Umunede then and had a 911
Lorry. Umunede has no natural source of water like River.
So, every other day Jerome
was at Mbiri River to fetch water and do some washing of cloths, very early in the
morning. Because the man was generous, he will allow every Umunede person who
wanted water or wanted to do some washing to join him. His Lorry was always
overflowing with people but one unfortune thing always happened. After the Lorry was
overloaded and everyone had boarded, the lorry will refuse to start; and pushing will
start in earnest.
This always happened in the evenings. Most Mbiri people who have
come and are still at the River then, will simply say: “Isi ke Ori Motor Jerome, Oji bia
Iyi Mbiri Tor” and then help Jorome in pushing the Lorry or off-loading the Lorry until it
regained its normal function. This kind of unique character of a people is hard to find
and this is our Pride.
VI: Visionary Leadership: The Role of His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu
Alekwe II, JP.
Central to the future of Mbiri is the enlightened leadership of our Royal Father, His
Royal Majesty, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Alekwe II, J.P., the Obi of Mbiri. His reign represents
not just a continuation of our cherished traditions, but a forward-thinking approach to
governance. His Royal Majesty’s dedication to preserving the culture of Mbiri while
fostering socio-economic progress is a testament to his visionary leadership.
Under His Majesty’s reign, Mbiri has remained a beacon of peace and stability—two crucial preconditions for any form of development.
The importance of stable
institutions in fostering economic growth cannot be overstated. Just as institutions in
developed economies provide the necessary frameworks for innovation, investment,
and growth, His Majesty’s leadership has established Mbiri as a town with strong
institutional integrity and peace. For instance, after he was crowned on 17th November,
1975 Obi Ifeanyi Alekwe II worked assiduously to smoothen the rough edges or
frictions in the intercity relationships between Mbiri and her neighbours particularly
Ekpon and Umunede. His Majesty’s emphasis on education, infrastructure, peaceful
co-existence, youth and women empowerments is setting the stage for Mbiri’s future
prosperity and we are very proud of this.
VII: Notable Features and Aspects of Mbiri that Bloat my Pride.
- Historical Heritage: Mbiri is an ancient kingdom with a rich cultural history, part
of the larger Ika ethnic group. Mbiri’s heritage is rooted in the traditions of the
ancient Bini Kingdom since its origin is traced to the great migration of Bini
people, who established autonomous settlements while maintaining cultural
and ancestral ties to the Oba of Benin. Most Mbiri folktales make references to
Idu (an ancient name for Bini) and Ogiso, a prominent ancient Oba of Benin.
We are proud of the origin of Mbiri.
- The Governance Style: The governance of Mbiri revolves around a traditional
monarchical system led by the Obi of Mbiri, who serves as both a spiritual
leader and custodian of the kingdom’s customs and traditions. This leadership
is complemented by a council of elders and chiefs who uphold justice and
communal harmony. This governance style has maintained peace and progress
in our land and we are proud of it. - Agriculture and Craftsmanship: The town is known for its agricultural
activities, particularly the cultivation of rubber, oil palm, and cassava. Many
residents engage in farming due to the fertile lands in the region, particularly
the cultivation of food crops such as yam, melon and cassava; and cash crops
such as rubber, oil palm and cola-nuts which remain central to its economy.
Mbiri’s artisans are also known for their craftsmanship in weaving, pottery, and
metalwork, reflecting the ingenuity and industrious spirit of her people. - Mbiri Forest Reserve: One of the significant ecological landmarks of the town
is the Mbiri Forest Reserve, which is important for biodiversity, including
numerous plant and animal species and conservation in Delta State. The Forest
reserve (popularly referred to as Ugboko-Mbiri) is part of the Niger Delta swamp
forests ecoregion, which is characterized by tropical moist forests and
freshwater swamps. - Traditional Festivals: Cultural expressions in Mbiri are vibrant, marked by
festivals such as the Igue Festival, which celebrates renewal, thanksgiving, and
unity. Others include masquerades, dances, and community feasts. The
kingdom’s oral traditions, folklore, and proverbs serve as a repository of wisdom
passed down through generations and efforts should be made to continue
these. - Religion: The town, like many in Nigeria, is a mix of Christianity and traditional
African beliefs, with several churches alongside traditional worship centres. It
indicates that inspite of accepting Christianity, the traditional African beliefs
have not been forgotten. We are also proud about this. - Proximity to Agbor: Mbiri is located near Agbor and Owa Oyibu the
headquarters of Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) and Ika North-East
LGA. This adds to the relevance of Mbiri in the local economy and social
structure.
VIII: Notable Features and Aspects of Mbiri that Deflate my Pride
While the pride of Mbiri as a community with a rich history, vibrant culture, and a legacy
of resilience fills my heart, it would be remiss not to acknowledge the challenges and
features that occasionally deflate that pride. As a Professor of Economics and a proud
daughter of Mbiri, it is my duty to highlight these aspects constructively, with the aim
of sparking conversations and solutions that can enhance our collective progress.
- Infrastructural Deficit: Despite Mbiri’s strategic location in Delta State, the town
suffers from significant infrastructural challenges. Basic amenities such as good road
networks, potable water, reliable electricity supply, and healthcare facilities remain
inadequate. Poor road conditions, especially during the rainy season, limit mobility,
hinder trade, and contribute to economic stagnation in the area. Studies have shown
that infrastructural development is a key driver of local economic growth (World Bank,
2020). The lack of these critical facilities in Mbiri not only limits economic opportunities
but also discourages external investment, which could otherwise spur development. - Decline in Agricultural Productivity: Historically, Mbiri has been known for its
fertile lands and agricultural prowess. However, there has been a noticeable decline
in agricultural productivity due to several factors, including rural-urban migration, land
degradation, and limited access to modern farming techniques. Younger generations
are abandoning farming in search of perceived greener pastures in urban areas,
leaving the agricultural sector predominantly in the hands of the aging population and
this is not good enough. - Erosion of Cultural Values and Identity: Mbiri has a rich cultural heritage, yet
there is an ongoing erosion of traditional values and practices. The younger generation
often displays limited interest in the customs, language, and festivals that define
Mbiri’s identity. For instance, the use of the Ika language among youths is declining
rapidly, replaced by a preference for English or Pidgin. Without deliberate efforts to
revitalize our language and traditions, Mbiri risks losing key aspects of its heritage. - Low Levels of Education and Skill Development: Education remains a
cornerstone of development, yet Mbiri struggles with limited access to quality
education and skill acquisition opportunities. Many schools in the town are underresourced, with insufficient teaching staff, dilapidated buildings, and inadequate
learning materials. This is not a source of pride. - Environmental Degradation and Poor Sanitation: Environmental degradation,
including deforestation and improper waste management, is a growing concern in
Mbiri. The indiscriminate cutting down of trees, often for firewood or charcoal
production, has resulted in soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. Additionally, poor
sanitation practices, such as open dumping of refuse and lack of proper drainage
systems, contribute to health hazards and reduce the town’s aesthetic appeal. We are
not proud of this. - Limited Civic Engagement, Insecurity and Community Development
Initiatives: Another aspect that dampens my pride is the perceived apathy towards
community development among some members of the Mbiri community. While
organizations like the Mbiri Patriotic Union (MPU) play a crucial role in fostering
development, there is a noticeable lack of participation and support from many
residents, particularly the younger generation. This lack of civic engagement also
slows progress and leaves vital projects underfunded or abandoned. In recent times
there have been waves of insecurity and this could be due to limited civic
participation. The efforts of the Mbiri Vigilante Group are however highly
commendable. Mbiri must work to reawaken the spirit of collective and civic
responsibility among its people. - Youth Unemployment and Social Vices: High levels of unemployment among the
youth in Mbiri have led to increased involvement in social vices such as drug abuse,
gambling, and petty crime.
The absence of job opportunities and recreational facilities
leaves many young people idle and susceptible to negative influences. This issue not only tarnishes the image of Mbiri but also threatens its social stability and future
prospects. Without interventions, Mbiri risks losing its vibrant youth to unproductive or
destructive activities. While Mbiri remains a town of immense pride and potential,
these challenges deflate my pride and underscore the urgent need for action
IX: Sustaining Mbiri’s Legacy: Strategic Imperatives for Future Growth
While we have much to be proud of, pride alone will not sustain Mbiri’s future.
It is
essential to translate our pride into strategic actions that will ensure continued growth
and development. Allow me to outline some imperatives that will secure Mbiri’s future
as a source of pride for all of her indigenes:
- Human Capital Development: Education remains the bedrock of
development. We must invest in the education of our youth, equipping them
with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete in a rapidly changing global
economy. Scholarships, mentorship programs, and vocational training should
be scaled to ensure that no child in Mbiri is left behind. - Infrastructure Development: Modern infrastructure is key to economic
growth. Investment in roads, energy, telecommunications, and public services
will unlock new economic opportunities. The private sector, in partnership with
government and the MPU, must take a proactive role in driving infrastructural
improvements. - Economic Diversification: Mbiri’s economy must diversify beyond traditional
agriculture. By fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology
adoption, we can create new industries that will provide employment and
generate wealth. - Cultural Diplomacy: Mbiri’s rich cultural heritage is an asset that should be
leveraged to foster global engagement. By promoting our customs, festivals,
and traditions, we can position Mbiri as a cultural hub, attracting both tourism
and international partnerships.
X: Conclusion
Mbiri is more than a community; it is a repository of values, wisdom, and potential. It
is my pride because it has shaped my life and my worldview. As a Professor of
Economics, I understand that communities, like economies, must evolve. But even as
we modernize, we must retain the core values that make Mbiri unique.
With the collective efforts of visionary leaders like His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu
Alekwe II, The President General of MPU and the active participation of all Mbiri sons
and daughters, we will ensure that Mbiri remains not only our pride but a symbol of
excellence, progress, and resilience for generations to come. According to our elders:
Ikpo Ugbai Nkpokugba, egiwe Kpo efifia; Ikpo Ugbai, Ugbarinma, egiwe rie Nni;
Ni Mbiri ri Nma ……… Ori ni Eyi Ile !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Long live Mbiri! Long live the Obi of Mbiri! Long live the Mbiri Patriotic Union!
God bless You and I.
REFERENCES/ ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Acknowledgements:
Special thanks to HRM Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Alekwe II, the Obi of Mbiri for the
support of MPU and upholding of this initiative for the invitation of Guest
Lecturers at MPU annual meetings.
Special acknowledgement of late Prof. Samuel C. Ukala, Emeritus Professor
of Delta State University, Abraka—who, lectured and tutored me on the
importance of Mbiri Patriotic Union; he explained that community service and
engagements are equally important as our personal lives.
Special thanks to Barr. O. Ehianuka (the current President General of MPU,
2024) and the Executives of MPU for finding me worthy to be the Guest
Lecturer at the 2024 Annual General Meeting.
Special recognition goes to Prof. Austin O. Okolie, for delivering the 2023
MPU First Conference Lecture, and many thanks to all notable Mbiri sons and
daughters whose contributions have shaped Mbiri’s development.
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