Anambra information commissioner speaks on the cultural values of apprenticeship in Igbo-land

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

The Anambra State Commissioner for Information,  Law Mefor, at the weekend speaks extensively on the norms and cultural values of apprenticeship scheme.in Igbo land.

The Commissioner made this known during the launch of two  books, “Igbo apprenticeship system, (Igba Boi) and Becoming rich or poor,” authored and debuted by the President General Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, ASMATA, Humphrey Anuna held at ASMATA Secretariat, Modebe Avenue, Onitsha.

Mefor, who is the book reviewer explained that the writer is trying to show that Igba boi is attached to igbo culture going by the saying that Onye fee Eze, Eze eruo ya, (If you serve me as king, kingship will get to you).

He emphasized on the need for cordial relationship between the master trader and the apprentice  trader lamenting the attitude of some masters who condemn and dismiss their nwa boi (apprentice), when his apprenticeship era is about to end as he comes up with frivolous, false and unfounded allegations against the apprentice.

These accusations he said were  not made during his first, second and third years of apprenticeship until the nwa boi (apprentice) is about to be settled and that is part of the essence of passing into law the Igba boi apprenticeship scheme.

He added that Anambra State government has responded to some questions in the books by passing a bill through the state House of Assembly for Igba boi.

According to him,”infact there will be a commission set up for igba boi, most of the things written in this books were captured by the bill, everybody should go and read it

“There will be a fund where the government will be contributing, likewise the master, so that at the end of the apprentice system, the master will not be alone in the financial settlement of such nwa boi. 

“The government will contribute a million naira and the master contributes a million naira also to make it two million naira,” Mefor stated.

He added that another interesting chapter is that the book talked on the different types of apprenticeship schemes and the daily life of nwa boi

Mefor stated also that nwa boi system has been supported by the Harvard Business School recalling that it was with Igba boi system that Ndi Igbo survived the Nigeria/Biafra civil war.

He said the book stressed on the rights of both the master and the nwa boi, and quoted the Biblical labourer who he said is entitled to his wages even if he is regarded as a slave.

“The Nwa boi lasts for five years and above and he helps in the earnings when he was serving and therefore  is a way to help the master grow his business, and as such he is entitled to be settled,” Mefor reiterated.

The chairman on the occasion, Archbishop Onyeka Nzekwesi, CEO, Pineleaf Estate and Properties Ltd, commended the ASMATA PG for authoring the books he said were meant to better the future welfare of the youths.

“This Igba boi has been the trend in those days that any Igbo man will either send his child to school of Igba boi and after his stay in the apprenticeship, he establishes his own trade and become a master. 

“But these days our youths prefer get rich quick syndrome to apprenticeship scheme which results in today’s all manners of crimes and criminality,” he lamented.

Earlier the  president General of ASMATA said that he authored the books based on what is happening in Anambra State, that include the youths’ negligence on igba boi scheme, disclosing that it is the master trader that would tell you his experience.

He stated that the westerners started this apprenticeship scheme in form of slave trade but Ndi igbo in their own way do it as it is today that parents take their children to the master trader to serve as apprentice traders for some years prior to settlement and being self reliant.

The CEO of CB GOFRAN, Chukwudozie Bobfrancis Nzekwesi, expressed satisfaction with the launch of the two books stating that they will assist immensely as guide line to future wealth acquisition.

He urged all and sundry to ensure good use of the books which the author took time to work on for publication consumption and guidance to riches. 

In his own contribution, the Chairman, Mgbuka Obosi Old Motor spare parts market, Samuel Ifurunwa recalled that governor Chukwuma Soludo started work on his first day in office, and same with ASMATA President general.

 Emeka Nwafor, Onowu of Akpo kingdom, said that, “We saw what we have not seen before because they say that business men are illiterates, but we have proved them wrong today that the author of the book is a trader. I came to see by myself and it is a lesson to all of us”.

Speaking, Evaristus Ejezie, the chairman, Iron Dealers Union Nteje, described the event as a good one, and commended the ASMATA for the books he authored pointing out that a lot is there to be learnt especially for our youths who see Igba boi as a waste of time.

He added that if everybody can make use of the books written with wisdom, there will be a remarkable difference between Umu Boi and master traders in today’s business  pursuit compared with past.

A chieftain, Chukwujekwu Maduka, stated that everyone has his destiny explaining  that all fingers are not equal and prayed God to bless and keep the PG to celebrate the next year’s new yam festival and beyond.