This was an online symposium organized by Sr. Dr. Christiana Idika DMMM on 23rd September 2023. The event brought together scholars and participants to explore the enduring values of dignity in labor within the Igbo cultural framework, especially in a time marked by rising fraud and criminality.
Dignity in labor is a core aspect of the Igbo value system, emphasizing hard work, self-reliance, and the pursuit of excellence. In contemporary society—where fraudulent practices are prevalent—this ideal becomes even more vital as a moral compass and a source of personal integrity.
Among the Igbo people, primarily located in southeastern Nigeria, there is a longstanding tradition of honoring labor and productivity. This ethos is captured in their Cogno-Normative Epistemological expressions such as:
“Aka ajaaja na ebute onu nmanu nmanu” (hard work brings prosperity) and
“Onye ruo, o rie” (he who works, eats).
These proverbs reflect the cultural disdain for idleness and dependency. In traditional Igbo society, relying on others for sustenance was often viewed as a sign of weakness and a loss of dignity. This theme is also reflected in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, through the contrasting lives of Okonkwo and his father, Unoka.
By promoting hard work, dignity in labor instills pride, purpose, and a sense of fulfillment. However, the growing acceptance of dishonest wealth poses a threat to this value system. Strengthening this ethical ideal is essential for building a resilient and morally grounded society.
The panel discussion during the symposium engaged deeply with these questions, highlighting the relevance of this issue not just in Nigeria but globally—especially in capitalist economies where value is often tied more to profit than to ethics.
Here is the recording of the panel discussion moderated by Sr. Dr Christiana Idika DMMM
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