Abstract
The western culture has tremendously impacted on Igbo cultural heritage
traditional society in a very positive and negative dimension. It has given rise to
acculturation and improved on the value system in the society. The negative
impact of this change is becoming alarming as it has seriously done much havoc
not only to the Igbo culture but on the people as well. The fear is that if nothing is
done, and urgently too, to salvage the situation, it might eventually lead to
possible extinction of the Igbo culture. This paper has identified some of the Igbo
rich cultural practices which have been abandoned and totally neglected owing to
the influence of westernization using Enugwu-ukwu (Nri) community (1922-1998)
in Njikoka Local Government Area as a case study. This research carefully made
use of the analytical method, books and journals were used in this research. The
research went further to address issues that bother on definition of culture and
western culture, causes of culture change and impact of Western culture on the
lifestyle of Enugwu-ukwu (Nri) community (1922-1998): problems and prospects.
The research recommends amongst others that in order to avoid possible
extinction of Igbo culture, there is an urgent need for cultural restoration.
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Enugwu-Ukwu is a town in Umunri clan, Njikoka Local Government Area of
Anambra state. It is located along the old Enugu-Onitsha express road and is
about 72 kilometers from Enugu and 36 kilometers from the commercial town of
Onitsha. “The altitude of the town ranges from 600 to 700 feet above sea level.
The town is second to Igbo Ukwu as the high land or peak in the area. It takes its
name Enugwu-Ukwu (Big hill top) according to its physical features. Enugwu-
Ukwu is bounded on the north by Nawfia, on the North-east by Agukwu, on the
south by Abagana, on the east by Nimo and on the west by Enugwu-Agidi. It
extends over an area about twelve square miles and it is thickly populated. Next
to Agulu, Enugwu-Ukwu has the highest population in the former Awka
administrative division. According to the 1963 national population census, the
town had a population of 50,566 which gives average density of about four
thousand to a square mile. Enugwu Ukwu is located in the rain forest belt of the
north equatorial region of West Africa, but on account of westernization and
modern developmental activities, the rain forest has virtually been depleted.
However, in its place are open grassland interspersed with palm trees and other
shrubs which give the area the appearance of savanna grassland.
The socio-cultural evolution in South Eastern part of Nigeria in one way or the
other has provoked development and crisis as well. Most of the time, the crisis
generated are intolerable at the extreme, antagonistic and provokes war. The
various conflicts which greeted the coming of white-man in many parts of Nigeria
were eloquent enough to this. Some harmful cultural practices were abolished
and Nigerians were given formal education. The existence of culture is aimed at
meeting the needs of the physical and social environment. Virtues and values are
important and indispensable aspects of culture. The rate of cultural advancement
in a given society depends on the level of that society's moral value or virtues of
consciousness. A critical look at the Western influence on the lifestyle of Enugwu-
Ukwu shows both good and bad influences. This has made much of Nigeria native
culture give way to the European culture. Either by design or accident, Nigerians
have imbibed the Western culture and have appropriated it so much that it now
becomes almost part and parcel of their lives. Rodee (1983) saw social problems
which emanated from Western influence as one-crop economies, pervasive
corruption, spiraling inflation, massive unemployment, over-crowded cities and
destitute villages. Obviously, the culture of Nigeria in general is still undergoing
contacts and conflicts which results to a healthier life of the society resulting in an
improved social system. However, in the light of the present state of the
Southeastern part of Nigerian culture in which Enugwu-Ukwu (Nri) community is
included, mismanagement, greed, embezzlement, bribery, tribalism has
downplayed the influence of culture on the social system. Culture should act as a
watchdog to
African social system. This is a clear indication why modern
method of birth control as abortion has been rebuffed in many
cultures despite the enormous efforts of its proponents to give it the
best recognition.
