Introduction
It is always the case that aggregate
population is misunderstood by ordinary people. However the basis of
development or decline rests fully on it. Population decline is dangerous tactically
and strategically for any community. Here an attempt is made towards presenting
a non-technical and realistic appraisal of its dynamics and demographics. Like all
non-industrial and agricultural economies, its pre-Nigeria-Biafra War
population pyramid reflects low-density, high-fertility, low growth and
dominated by over 20s. Naturally females are higher in number. It is equally true
that more than 70% of the total population is resident in the ‘republic’ with probably
less than 10% in diaspora (ozibekee).
Fertility and birth rates usually
drop significantly during conflicts and this ‘republic’ is not excluded. However
the end of Nigeria-Biafra War brought two important variables into play; probably
less 20% in total decline accounted for mostly by deaths of the elderly and young
soldiers/men. The bulk of the intelligentsia, mothers, children, senators,
judges and lawyers of the ‘republic’ survived to advance stabilisation since
reconstruction never materialised despite Lagos declaration of no-victor no
vanquished. The ‘republic’ never that it is part of the vanquished.
Post-Biafra
Between 1970 and 1985 birth rate
took off increasing average family size to eight which modified the pyramid
with higher proportion of under 20s. Agriculture remained the economic backbone
while the average diaspora remained slightly high concentrated in Lagos and composed
mostly of young men without skills and basic qualifications. This high birth
rate afforded the local schools, markets and church viability and existence.
This period was economically and
socially stable but nevertheless politically weak for a number of reasons. Among
them is the limited number of knowledgeable elders/senators and lawyers in
village parliaments. In addition the growing silent tension over land resulted
in some of these senators either boycotting sessions or attending without
making contributions. These were leading men. This was the beginning of the political
stalemate in vogue day. This was the time Ihitte-Okwe applied for and lost Eze’s
vacancy for Ihitte-Umukabia-Ngor autonomous community.
One of the most fruitful outcomes
was the continued investment in formal/school learning which increased the proportion
of young men and women with prospects in petroleum-based economy. The number of
post-secondary graduates were scanty due to limited resources. Besides tradesmen
and professional were few. Still, optimism was high. Internal cohesion was
effective as observed in community cleanings, wake-keepings, student union
programme, holiday extra-mural lessons, Christmas carols, viable markets, full
response to village councils and etc. Social division of labour was in effect
while various age-grades played their part.
The best example of this period was
the highest recognition accorded learning, experience and solidarity in Amauku.
While this piece can only testify to the inconsistency of Ihitte-Okwe level policy
development and implementation, the reasons for such outcome remains elusive
and contested. However the rising need for clean water in the ‘republic’
compelled transformative action in Amauku where the young men and women
mobilised themselves towards finding a solution. A wise decision!
This was the best and the
brightest of the village mostly resident at home and Owerri respectively. These
include Mr Julius Agah, Mr Francis Ekeanyanwu, Mr Valentine Obirieze, Barrister
Paschal Diala and Mr Kenneth Mmegwa to mention a few. Owerri Branch
crystallised the dependable diaspora though not exclusively. Bring together their
time, resources, talents and experiences; they developed viable proposals in
collaboration with the elders/senators/mothers. With these proposals they approached
their best and brightest in Mr S O Obirieze and Rev Fr Julius Mmegwa. The success
was the 1986 commissioning of Amauku Ihitte-Okwe water project by the then Lt
Commander Amadi Ikwechegh. Of course Amauku Day followed suite. This was the finest
hour in Amauku if not in the ‘republic’. Such glorious feat has not been
repeated. A giant leap for the ‘republic’.
Rat Race
From 1990 a number of factors especially
the economy gradually to impact on the population. First many young people
started joining the diaspora. Secondly the spatial net of diaspora widened. Thirdly,
immigration into the ‘republic’ dropped and concentrated only around Umueke
comparatively. This emigration of our best mind and brains began to have
serious impact because their connection with events in the community declined. In
most cases, the frequency of spending holidays in the community reduced.
In addition immigration was
limited to marriage where our wives join to reside. Gradually birth rate followed
a reverse trend which is currently averaging 4 per family size. This sharp drop
in the number of under 10s is best captured at Holy Masses in Amauku and
Umuagbom. Children formed less than 10% of attendees, this also accounts for the
weakness of Amauku LA school. The population is not viable when some attend in
Umuowa, Umuohii Amaki and surrounding private schools. Amauku is seriously
indicted for the current state of its primary school. Commendation to Rev Fr
Louis Obirieze for marble flooring one class in 2017.
This is a collapse because the
dead and those in diaspora were not replaced. You don’t need to be a public
finance expert to appreciate the impact of declining population on tax receipts,
social/public services and infrastructure. Currently the best and the brightest
of the republic is limited. This has a severe impact on policy development,
strategic initiatives and solution implementation at all levels. The best
example is the non-circulation of Amauku water scheme through Umuotukwe and
Umuihim resulting in the glorification of silliness where each household sank a
borehole. What a waste! While the situation is partly mitigated by
collaboration between some diaspora representatives and HRH Eze’s palace, more
needs to be done.
Scattered Souls
A few clarifications on diaspora.
When a citizen is not resident in his/her place of origin for at least 180 days
a year, he/she becomes a non-permanent resident or absentee landlords. Over 20%
of our citizens fit this description including their wives, husbands and
children. In addition many of our children are now foreign-born and foreign residents
hence naturally displace Ihitte-Okwe as a primary location of interest. The gap
is usually mitigated with periodic visit to the ‘republic’ if and when it is
applicable. Korona biko! Current population of the 'republic' estimate is less than 6,000.
Attempt is made here for an
objective appreciation to the fact that our diaspora are inadvertently disconnected
and are limited to doing only goodwill via specialised knowledge sharing and
remittances. It is also clear that such disconnection hurts human development
due to disparate views, absence of ground truthing of proposals and authority
without enforcement power.
Expanding Floors and Shrinking
Sales
In summary, population size, make
up and dynamics show important elements of the community’s aspirations. While there
is no doubt of the increasing physical footprint in all the villages, you’ll be
surprised to know that 80% of Ihitte-Okwe residential floorspace is empty and unused
because of decline in total population. Another indicator is the unviability of
Eketa including the disappearance of Nkwo Utu.
Markets need (threshold) populations
to survive and sadly we don’t have it anymore. The same applied to the new Eke
Umuowa and many markets of southern Igboland. The only viable market in our
area is Eke Isu Obiangwu. Ignorance of this fact has sustained the absence of
markets including village Ugwumabiri to counter the lacks in the expensive ‘shopping
malls’ sprouting in our villages. Is it
conceivable for Amauku to go to Eketa or even Nkwo Utu? Besides markets are not
only women, mothers, children and shopping. It is part of human social DNA. Our
population needs high numbers, quality, skills, experience and strategic
awareness.
The commentary will be continued.
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