Ndigbo. Have you ever heard that you are Jews? Maybe you have and you believed it, or you doubted it asking for evidence. There is one available now. An Igbo and clergyman, Pastor David Eze from Unwana, Afikpo searched for this evidence in the bible and the result of his effort is the book titled: Igbos Are Jews…The story of a black race in Africa of Jewish Origin. In this interview with Igbo Life, Pastor Eze explains the inspiration behind the book and other issues related to his findings.
Inspiration
I looked at the culture and tradition of Igbos. They are just identical to the Jews. So our culture, our way of life synchronises with that of the Jews. Even our names like Ada, is a name in the Bible. Our way of life, our culture, our names synchronises with Jewish names.
And coming to empirical evidence are names and places like Nri and Aguleri you can trace to Eri. Eri is the son of GAD, the 7th son of Jacob. Arochukwu people are said to come from Judah because it is from them you have emigrants such as the Ibibios, the Anangs. They are said to have the same DNAs as Igbos. Researchers still have to find out more about these linkages. There is a lot of history going on.
We have to trace our roots. All these are identity. When people lose their identity, they go out of the world map
The Book
This book is a product of inspiration. For all scripture is given by inspiration of God. God has the custody of every human history and he is willing to reveal it to any inquisitive mind. It is my desire to know God more. He gave me this information. In my inquiries to know about the origin of the Igbo race, God told me that you cannot trace the origin of the Igbos outside the Bible.
This message and other information I gathered, I have put down in this book to settle the controversial issue about the origin of Igbos. The ignorance about Igbo origin has been erased. This book tells the story that any political or socio-economic policy in Nigeria, whether Federal or State, that marginalizes the Igbos, will stall progress and development because Igbos are Jews, the chosen people of God.
Moreover, Igbos are not Jews because they are Christians; they are Jews by birth and origin. History and experience have shown that any nation or race that oppresses the Jews anywhere in the world pays a big price for it.
Purpose
There is every need for other Nigerians to put away pride and reconcile with Igbos in a brotherly manner, and not in hypocrisy such as the seizure of their properties in the abandoned property saga. Nigeria is forty years as an independent nation and yet there is no meaningful progress to show for our nationhood. We seem to going in a vicious circle of confusion.
Impact
A lot of Igbos now have the conviction that they are Jews by reading this book. Many say they know but there is no documented literature to back this consciousness.
Cultural Similarities
Jews circumcise male children 8 days after birth. Igbos do same. Other races are now doing so. The Igbo lunar calendar is similar with the Jewish calendar. Igbos have parallel cultural and racial experiences as the Jews. The Jews suffered in the hands of Hitler. Igbos experienced same in Nigeria. If other tribes in Nigeria accord us the needed respect as Jews, the nation will be blessed. That’s why America is blessed because it recognizes Israel as God’s own chosen.
Beyond the Book
I am doing a lot of research to add more to it. The book is not yet complete. Another book is coming with more facts to confirm that these people are Jews.
Eric Okeke is a storyteller, editor, business writer, motivational speaker and author of the best selling book: I Want a Husband. He is one of Nigeria’s most experienced financial journalists. He has published several articles in local and foreign publications and in websites such as http://www.ezinearticles.com, www.ezinearticles.com and www.writingcareer.com. He is currently running Infomedia Company, a media consulting and information marketing company. Visit his blog at http://sallywantsahusband.blogspot.com
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