And God spoke to the Igbo tribe of Nigeria

I am Igbo by origin and British by adoption. And I have known over the years that we Igbo people of Southeastern Nigeria are a unique and resilient ethnic group with a rich history, vibrant culture, and undeniable resourcefulness. Over the centuries, we have faced numerous challenges which included colonial subjugation, civil war, and more recently, growing insecurity in our homeland. Despite these adversities, we have remained steadfast in our pursuit of excellence, peace, and prosperity. But still, a deeper, more existential question has continued to loom over our collective conscience: where is the conscience of the Igboman when God speaks to him?

This question resonates profoundly when viewed through the lens of the Holy Book. In Deuteronomy 30, God speaks to his people unequivocally about blessings and curses, life and death, obedience and disobedience. For those who draw parallels between us, Igbo people, and the biblical Israelites, this passage serves as a spiritual mirror reflecting the past, the present, and the future. It challenges Ndigbo to re-examine their relationship with God and their fidelity to the sacred covenant that seems to align so closely with their historical experiences.

For example, the dispersion of the Igbo tribe across the globe mirrors the biblical narrative of the exile of the children of Israel. Over centuries, the Igbo have found themselves scattered as a result of slave trade, migration, and the pursuit of better opportunities. From the transatlantic slave trade to modern emigration for economic and educational advancement, the Igbo Diaspora is vast and influential. This scattering, while it comes about with challenges, has also enriched the global community with Igbo ingenuity and industriousness. Yet, this dispersion raises a critical question: have the Igbo remained steadfast in their covenant with God amid their global wanderings? Deuteronomy 30 reminds us that even in exile, God’s people are called to return to Him with all their heart and soul. The scattering of the Igbo is not merely a historical phenomenon but a spiritual test. It is a call to introspection and a reminder that the blessings of God come with responsibilities.

Deuteronomy 30 is a poignant declaration of God’s covenant with His chosen people. It lays out the terms of this relationship: obedience brings blessings and life, while disobedience leads to curses and death. This covenant is not distant or abstract; it is “very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.” For us, Ndigbo, this covenant challenges our moral and spiritual compass. The insecurity and instability in Southeastern Nigeria—manifested through violence, corruption, and a weakening of traditional values—reflect a society grappling with spiritual disobedience. God’s admonition to choose life and prosperity over death and destruction is a direct call to the Igbo nation to realign with their divine purpose.

Southeastern Nigeria is currently plagued by a high level of insecurity which includes kidnappings, armed robberies, ritual killings, and inter-communal conflicts. These challenges are symbolic of deeper issues: a loss of communal trust, moral decay, and a departure from the principles of justice and righteousness that underpin a godly society. We, Igbo, known for our strong sense of community and respect for traditional values, must ask ourselves: why did things go wrong? The answer is simple. Things went wrong when our people bowed to financial pressure and substituted respect for our elders with respect for money, irrespective of how the money was made. Simple.

The insecurity in the Southeast is not just a physical or political problem; it is a spiritual crisis. The breakdown of order and the prevalence of violence are stark reminders of the consequences of turning away from God’s commands. Deuteronomy 30 warns that disobedience leads to destruction and exile, a sobering parallel to the current state of affairs in the region. God’s promise of restoration in Deuteronomy 30 is both a warning and an invitation. It is a call to repentance and renewal.

We, Ndigbo, must heed this call, not merely as individuals but as a collective entity. The restoration of the Igbo homeland requires a return to God with all our heart and soul. This return will involve a recommitment to the values that have historically defined the Igbo: hard work, integrity, respect for elders, and a deep sense of community. It also requires a rejection of the vices that have crept into our society: greed, corruption, and idolatry in various forms. By choosing life and obedience to God, the Igbo can reclaim their spiritual heritage and secure a future of prosperity and peace.

God’s declaration in Deuteronomy 30 that heaven and earth are witnesses to His covenant underscores the gravity of the choices before His people. For the Igbo, this means recognizing that their actions have consequences not just in the physical realm but also in the spiritual. The violence, injustice, and moral decay in Southeastern Nigeria are not merely human problems; they are affronts to the divine order. Our people must take to heart God’s admonition to “choose life, so that you and your children may live.” This involves a conscious decision to turn away from practices that lead to death and destruction, both physically and spiritually. It is a call to prioritize righteousness, justice, and love for one another.

Leadership plays a crucial role in the spiritual and moral direction of any society. The Igbo, historically known for our decentralized and egalitarian political systems, now face a leadership vacuum. Traditional rulers, community leaders, and political figures must rise to the occasion and lead by example. They must be the vanguard of a spiritual and moral revival in Igbo society. Leaders must embody the principles of godliness, integrity, and selflessness. They must prioritize the well-being of their communities over personal gain. By doing so, they can inspire the Igbo to return to God and rebuild their society on a foundation of righteousness and justice.

The Igbo Diaspora, with its vast resources and global influence, has a critical role to play in the restoration of their homeland. The scattered sons and daughters of Igboland must see themselves as part of God’s plan for the redemption of their people. They must use their skills, wealth, and networks to invest in the social, economic, and spiritual renewal of Southeastern Nigeria. Diaspora Igbo must also act as ambassadors of their culture and faith. By living out the principles of godliness and integrity in their respective countries, they can be a light to the world and a source of inspiration to their kin back home. Their actions can demonstrate that obedience to God’s commands leads to blessings and prosperity, even in foreign lands.

The way forward for the Igbo is clear: a return to God and a recommitment to His covenant. This will involve both individual and collective action. Every Igbo man, woman, and child must take responsibility for their spiritual and moral choices. Communities must hold their leaders accountable and demand governance rooted in justice and righteousness. The Diaspora must see themselves as integral to the restoration of their homeland. The challenges facing the Igbo are daunting, but they are not insurmountable. God’s promise of restoration in Deuteronomy 30 is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. It is a promise that requires faith, obedience, and action. By choosing life and aligning themselves with God’s will, the Igbo can overcome their current challenges and secure a future of peace, prosperity, and divine favour.

Where is the conscience of the Igbo when God speaks to them? This question challenges the very soul of a people at crossroads. The insecurity in Southeastern Nigeria is a wake-up call, a reminder that the blessings of God come with responsibilities. The Igbo must return to their covenant with God, choosing life and obedience over death and disobedience. Deuteronomy 30 is not just a historical text; it is a living word, a divine blueprint for restoration and renewal. We Igbo have the resources, the resilience, and the spiritual heritage to rise above our current challenges. But we must first turn our hearts back to God, embrace His commands, and walk in His ways. Only then can we experience the fullness of His blessings and fulfill our destiny as a people chosen to be a light to nations.

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