The Igbo culture is full of life and vitality. It is a culture that celebrates achievement and performance, and has a deep reverence for language, for storytelling, and for communal wisdom passed from generation to generation.” – Chinua Achebe
We just concluded the Things Fall Apart Festival organised by the Center for Memories in Enugu, and one of the most significant shortcomings during the one week festival was the absence of any functioning public space for theatre and culture within Enugu state.
As Prof Greg Mbajiorgu, HOD Theatre & Film Studies, UNN, reminded us during his remarks, “Where are the public theatres in our cities for stage plays and storytelling?”
Where are the libraries honoring Achebe, Nwapa, Ekwensi? Where are the creative spaces where our youth can learn crafts, digital production, and design rooted in Igbo aesthetics?
The Igbo people are known for our vibrant traditions, our deep communal ties, and our cultural excellence—from music and dance to proverbs, storytelling, and craft. Our culture is not just something we remember on festive days; it’s a living, breathing part of who we are.
But we must now ask: Where are the spaces to celebrate and preserve it?
A Crisis of Cultural Infrastructure in Igboland: In all five southeastern Nigerian states—Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo—there is not a single public cultural center of significance that matches the scale and pride of our heritage.
No modern public theatres for stage plays.
No vibrant cultural districts for performance or exhibitions.
No well-maintained libraries to showcase Achebe, Ekwensi, Nwapa, or any of our icons.
Yet we proclaim “Igbo Amaka”?
Take the Center for Memories in Enugu, founded by private individuals committed to preserving Igbo history. It receives zero support from state governments in the region. Instead, it relies on international donors to stay afloat.
This is not how a people serious about cultural sovereignty should behave. If we must reclaim our narrative, we must start with meaningful local investment.
From Cultural Beacon to Creative Bystander: Not long ago, Enugu was the heart of Nollywood. Places like MacDavos Hotel in Gariki were alive with creativity. But that ecosystem has since faded.
Today, only a few filmmakers—like the tenacious Okey Oku—remain to hold the fort.
Without support for training, facilities, or funding, the region’s once-promising creative economy has stagnated. Yet this is an industry proven globally to generate jobs, identity, innovation, and peace.
Lagos Shows What Is Possible: Lagos, under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, built the JK Randle Centre for Yoruba History and Culture, four brand new modern theatres, renovated the Glover Memorial Hall and actively supported festivals like AFRIFF, AMAA, AFRIMA and the Headies.
Governor Sanwo-Olu continues that trend—not just with funding but with presence. Because sometimes, the presence of leadership speaks louder than funding.
Culture Is Not a Luxury — It Is a Strategy: Culture is more than performance. It is nation-building, conflict resolution, and economic empowerment—especially in regions dealing with youth restiveness, identity erosion, and unemployment.
As Chinua Achebe reminded us: “The Igbo artist, whether in wood, metal or words, draws deeply from a communal memory, and the community values and celebrates that act of creation.”
The Way Forward: If we truly believe in Igbo greatness, we must reflect it in physical, visible terms:
Build public theatres and art spaces.
Fund cultural festivals and programs.
Preserve historical monuments and memory centers.
Empower creative entrepreneurs across the southeast.
To invest in Igbo culture is to invest in peace, prosperity, and posterity.
The time to act is not next year, not next election, not when it’s politically convenient.
The time is now.
If you’re a policymaker, a cultural advocate, or a proud Igbo son or daughter—share this. Tag your local leaders. Let the call for cultural revival begin in earnest. And yes, whilst this article is especially focused on the southeast states, it should well apply to other states in Nigeria, that neglect culture and arts.
**Mba, a former Director General at both Nationsl Film & Videos Censors Board and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, is the Chairman of Afiatv Enugu
