Centre for Igbo Studies (CIS) University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), is research institute statutorily devoted to the development, promotion, preservation, and sustenance of the Igbo language and cultural heritage. Professor Chris Uchenna Agbedo, Director, Centre for Igbo Studies, (CIS) University of Nigeria, Nsukka) spoke to JUDE OSSAI, Editor Daily News Nigeria at the weekend on the proposed Igbo Cultural Village Complex, for which a land space within the confines of the Nsukka Campus of University of Nigeria has been allocated by current administration of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Charles Arizechukwu Igwe, concluding that the edifice represents a practical step at actualizing the noble objectives for which CIS was established.

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Excerpt:

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CONCEPT OF IGBO CULTURAL VILLAGE COMPLEX  (ICVC):

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Centre for Igbo Studies UNN, is research institute statutorily devoted to the development, promotion, preservation, and sustenance of the Igbo language and cultural heritage. The proposed Igbo Cultural Village Complex, for which a land space within the confines of the Nsukka Campus of University of Nigeria has been allocated by current administration of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Arizechukwu Igwe, represents a practical step at actualizing the noble objectives for which CIS was established.

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The conceptual framework for the Igbo Village (IVP) as an Igbo learning resource centre revolves around the preservation, promotion, and celebration of Igbo culture, heritage, and traditions within a university context. The Igbo Village as a cultural centre aims to create a dynamic space that promotes cultural exchange, fosters research and education, preserves cultural heritage, and celebrates the vibrant traditions of the Igbo people within the university context, in this regard, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka as the cradle of tertiary education in Igbo land, southeast Nigeria.

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The following 9 key elements form the foundation of the conceptual framework:

Cultural Preservation, Research and Documentation, Education and Awareness,

Cultural Exhibitions and Displays, Performances and Events,

Community Engagement, Collaboration and Partnerships,

Digital Access and Outreach, and Sustainable Funding.

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 By actualising these key principles, the Igbo Village as a cultural centre aspires to serve as a bridge between the past and present, preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people while promoting cultural exchanges, intercultural dialogues, understanding, and appreciation.

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VISION OF ICVC:

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Our vision for the Igbo Village is to be a pre-eminent centre for Igbo cultural studies, research, and preservation, serving as a national and international hub for the exploration, understanding, and celebration of Igbo culture. We envision a vibrant and inclusive space where the rich heritage of the Igbo people is showcased, studied, and cherished, fostering a deep appreciation and respect for Igbo traditions and values. Key elements of our vision include: Cultural Excellence, Academic Rigour, Cultural Revitalisation, Global Outreach, Community Empowerment, Intercultural Understanding, and Continuity and Legacy.

Through this vision, the Igbo Village strives to be a global centre of excellence for Igbo cultural studies, research, and preservation.

By so doing, CIS would be championing the celebration of the rich cultural tapestry of the Igbo people.

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MISSION OF ICVC:

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The Igbo Village mission is to become a beacon of Igbo cultural excellence, fostering cultural preservation, research, education, and community engagement within the context of the University of Nigeria Nsukka. To this effect, we envision a vibrant and inclusive space where the rich heritage of the Igbo people is showcased, studied, and cherished, fostering a deep appreciation and respect for Igbo traditions and values. We aim at actualising 20 potential deliverables, which represent a broad spectrum of outcomes that the Igbo Village aims to achieve within a 5-year short-, medium-, and long-term development plan. The proposed activities include development of a curriculum for the Igbo Village as a university-based research centre, developing Igbo Village as a Learning Resource Centre for homeland and diasporic Igbo children; reconnecting Igbo children born and bred in urban centres in Nigeria and the diaspora with their cultural and ancestral roots; mounting acculturation, enculturation, and immersion programmes; intercultural dialogues and exchanges; collaborative strategies, etc.

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ICVC CURRICULUM AS A UNIVERSITY-BASED RESEARCH CENTRE:

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The envisaged curriculum for the ICVC as a university-based research centre seeks to develop a range of courses that cover different aspects of Igbo culture and heritage and which can be offered as electives, minors, or even as part of a specialised programme in Igbo studies. Such courses  include but not limited to the following:

*Introduction to Igbo Culture and Heritage, *Igbo Language and Literature,

*Igbo Art and Visual Culture,

*Igbo Music, Dance, and Performance,

*Igbo Religion and Spirituality,

*Igbo Social Structures and Institutions,

*Igbo Diaspora and Transnational Communities, *Contemporary Issues in Igbo Society,

*Research Methods in Igbo Studies,

*Fieldwork and Ethnography in Igbo Communities, etc.

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In addition to this, ICVC aspires to serve as a learning resource centre for both homeland and diasporic Igbo children and a valuable initiative to support their educational and cultural needs.

By establishing a Learning Resource Centre tailored to the educational and cultural needs of diasporic Igbo children, the Igbo Village can provide a nurturing environment where they can learn, reconnect with their heritage, and develop a strong sense of identity and belonging.

Also, reconnecting Igbo children in the diaspora with their cultural roots is a significant endeavour that can be accomplished through various strategies and initiatives.

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 A RECAP:

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The establishment of the Igbo Village as a cultural centre holds great potential for preserving, promoting, and celebrating the rich heritage and traditions of the Igbo people. With a clear vision, mission, and strategic plan in place, the Igbo Village seeks to be a vibrant hub for cultural studies, education, research, and community engagement.

Through collaborative partnerships, robust funding strategies, and effective stakeholder engagement, the Igbo Village can secure the necessary resources and support to bring its vision to life.

The development of infrastructure, recruitment of qualified staff, and the implementation of diverse programmes and initiatives will ensure the cultural centre’s success in achieving its objectives. The Igbo Village’s commitment to gender sensitivity, intercultural dialogue, and the empowerment of diasporic Igbo children demonstrates its dedication to inclusivity, diversity, and the holistic development of the Igbo community.

As the Igbo Village grows and evolves, continuous evaluation, adaptation, and community feedback will be essential in ensuring its relevance, impact, and sustainability.

By maintaining a strong focus on ethical considerations, cultural preservation, and community engagement, the Igbo Village can become a model cultural centre that serves as a source of pride for the Igbo people in Homeland and Diaspora In this way, CIS through ICVC contributes to the broader understanding and appreciation of Igbo language and culture worldwide.

Overall, the establishment of the Igbo Village as a cultural centre represents an important step in reconnecting Igbo individuals, both within Nigeria and in the Diaspora, with their cultural roots, fostering cultural understanding, and preserving the rich heritage of the Igbo people for future generations.