the Nwa Nza story

Nwa-Nza is the smallest bird in the animal empire in the Igbo tradition. The story goes that he was bullied and intimidated by all the bigger animals. He became so frustrated that he decided to ask God why He made him so, so small. He toured to the ends of the globe but never saw God. He met challenges in his search; the rain and wind were great obstacles to him. He later prayed and picked up courage again to move on and finally came back to the cotton tree where he began this journey.

How this folklore relates to Ndi Igbo and some of their culture especially their industrious and meticulous nature is what we are going to be tracing in this essay.

Size Does Not Matter

Nwa-Nza achieves self-confidence and circles the whole world in flight despite his size. The Igbo culture does not believe that your inherited wealth can make you better than your pals. You can have an edge above them just for a time. They believe in themselves, and what they can achieve as a person. So, whether born rich or poor, big or small, it does not matter; what matters is who you are.

MIND-BLOWING QUESTIONS

The size of Nwa-Nza was a worry to him. Just like the family background of most Igbo people could constitute a challenge to survival. Family backgrounds can make one cower among his mate whose background looks better. Just as Nwa-Nza took his worries to God, the Igbos believe that Chineke (God) has the answer to all his mind-blowing questions. Nwa-Nza had many questions which only God could respond to. Questions; such as ‘why am I very small,’ ‘why are big birds bullying me,’ ‘why, why, what did I do to offend God?’ are some of the secret questions in the minds of many from humble backgrounds or those in the habit of pondering.

I Will Do Something

Nwa-Nza decided to consult God and demand to increase his size. He engaged God in prayers during his search. Traditional Igbo prayers involve breaking cola nuts and pouring libation to the gods. Nwa-Nza’s size remained the same. He was so angry with everything around him that he went without food for days. He insisted he must get an answer somewhere, somehow. Whether from the land, wind, water, or the heavens he needed to hear something. Traditional Igbo religions believe in consulting the gods such as Ala (god of the land), Amadioha (god of thunder), Igwekala (god of the heavens), and Nne mirri (the water spirits) on their issues.

“Igbo men are performing a traditional dance as part of Independence Day celebrations in the city of Port Harcourt on October 2, 2005.”

NWA-NZA’S IMAGINATION

He told himself that by the time he will be back from his journey he would have grown bigger. He decided to retaliate against all the bullying the big birds had done to him and also make them cry as they made him cry. He became happy after all imagining the payback happening as he traversed the skies. Gazing at the sky in his joy he viewed the sky touching the land very far and believed he will see God there.

A Courageous Journey

Nwa-Nza decided to pack his bag with lots of food and water that will sustain him on this journey to his creator. He took his bag and flew into the sky with speed, engaging his strength very curious to see God. He flew far into the sky — up, up, and up he flew. After some days the rain began to fall. This is not in my plan, he cried. He had left without a raincoat and an umbrella. He became worried; he did not plan well, he said. He looked for where to perch but there was no tree around. Soaked with the rain he started feeling very heavy as the rain increased, and he was washed to the ground. Ndi Igbo just like Nwa-Nza in their culture are hardworking and determined never giving up.

The Grateful Bird

On the ground, he hid under one big rock until the rain stopped the next day. I am very unfortunate, he thought as he shivered with cold without any pull-over. Wrong plan! He prayed to God to protect him from the cold. As soon as the sun was up after the rain Nwa-Nza spread out its wings and immediately it got dried he took off again.

Nwa-Nza was so grateful to God for providing the rock that shaded him from the rain. In the same way, Ndi Igbo has various festivals in which they show gratitude to God such as the Iri ji ohuo (new yam festival), Afo Ohuo (New year), and other festivals.

NWA-NZA’S CHALLENGE

This time the bird was confronted with the wind and his wind got broken. He was again worried. Is God punishing him for his many questions and curiosity? Should he give up? These were his thoughts as he nursed his wound. Nwa-Nza told himself “I cannot give up, not now. I will see the end because I have come too far. “Thus, Nwa-Nza was able to learn how to overcome this second challenge the pressure from the wind and then enjoy floating in the wind.

The Igbos never give up like Nwa-Nza. This is the lifestyle of Ndi Igbo; no matter the challenges they are not broken or weakened to surrender. Rather they will get up again and strategize. The Igbos are majorly known for their industrious lifestyle. Ndi Igbo are found all over Nigeria, and Africa, and indeed this world never gives up. They are well known for their great skill in business and lately education.

Home Is The Best

At long last, Nwa-Nza realized that he was not getting the answers in a conventional way. His answers lied in the journey; in his quest, his courage, his overcoming his challenges without giving up. At this point, it was natural to realize his destination was his home, where he could be himself, without being influenced by things such as size.

Ndi Igbo believes that home is the best. No matter your acquisition outside your community, you are not celebrated. You are only celebrated when your wealth affects your community. Ndi Igbo never turn their back on their communities; thus, the slogan “Aku ruwe ulo bu ezi aku” (Success must touch one’s kinsmen). Their success wherever they are must reflect in their communities. No matter what their occupation or business, they are always getting involved in community development.

In course of their involvement in business, the Igbos have come across a lot. Their wealth of business experience has placed them in a class of their own. They can survive in any condition. From young age their children are groomed to know that commitment and devotion to one’s business or any vocation at all is the way to the top. They are not extravagant and can survive with little just like Nwa-Nza. In every challenge, Ndi Igbo believes that there is always a way out. Their strength is hidden in their ability to unravel secrets. They can explore like Nwa-Nza who explored the heavens and discovered the stars, and the moon and yet kept flying. The Igbos never get satisfied in investing, business and growing themselves generally.