The age-grade system has long been a cornerstone of community development, playing a vital role in sustaining progress within societies. In ancient times, age grades served as the community’s law enforcement, warriors, and the institution responsible for maintaining order and peace.
In the Abiriba community, located in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, the traditional age-grade system has been an influential force in driving communal development, with its members taking active roles in various aspects of social and economic growth.
Recently, a significant milestone was achieved as the apex stage of the age-grade system officially retired from its mandatory service. The retirement ceremony, known as “Ime Uche,” marked the departure of several esteemed Abiriba sons and daughters from this critical level of service, symbolizing both the honor and the end of their active participation in the age-grade’s responsibilities.
The Abia Tour, which recently visited the ancient Abiriba kingdom to explore some of its unique cultural heritage, highlighted the significant role of the age-grade system, an institution as old as mankind, in driving community development. Reports indicate that no age grade is allowed to advance to the next stage without first initiating and completing a project that benefits the community. This practice has contributed to the rapid development seen in Abiriba and the wider Ohafia region.
Mrs Onyekachi Loveday, the CEO of Abia Tours, shared that the organization’s mission is to promote the cultural and tourism potential of Abia State. She explained that the Abia Tour team travels to communities across the state to showcase its rich cultural heritage to the world. The team found the Ime Uche ceremony particularly intriguing due to its unique background and significance.
In Abiriba, the 2024 festive season witnessed a beehive of activities, with the retirement ceremony, which is held every four years, taking the center stage throughout the period. Barr Jackson Abba Agbai, one of the retirees, expressed his happiness in participating in the Ime Uche ceremony, describing it as a proud moment after having served the community for over thirty years.
Barr Agbai who provided insight into the Ime Uche ceremony and what it entails, explained that between ages of 18 and 20, an individual is admitted into the age grade system, where you stay and contribute your quota to community development.
Barr Jackson Agbai
He said before the coming of the Europeans, Abiriba was governed by the age grade system, where the grades involved themselves in clearing foot paths to streams, farmlands and also protect laws and orders in the land.”When criminals are caught,the age grade serve as police, parading the criminals at the village square or compound before they would be executed.
“Abiriba remains the only community in Africa that still maintains the unique characteristics of the age grade system. Till date, the grades still govern. When there is an issue, it is be settled through the age grade,this is why we have a very peaceful community”,Barr Jackson Agbai explained.
With how impactful the age grade system is,one would literally wonder, if it has any disadvantages, However, as Barr Agbai pointed out, the benefits far outweigh any drawbacks. He further hinted that the age grade system plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the community. Just like every other society that is run by the legislature, Executive and Judiciary, the Abiriba age grade system serves as a law making body, enforces the laws and also acts as an adjudicator in disputes.
Barr Jackson Abba Agbai, a successful businessman and legal luminary, shared that through the Okezie age grade, he has dedicated the past thirty years to serving the Abiriba community. He emphasized that his retirement would not hinder his commitment to continuing in serving his people.
According to the system, retirement from the age grade means stepping down from mandatory community service, where individuals are no longer compelled to serve under the threat of a fine or sanction. As Barr Agbai puts it, “From now on, no one will mandate me to serve. Whatever I choose to do, will be entirely at my discretion”.
In his parting word, Barr Agbai urged members of other age grades still in active service to dedicate themselves fully, emphasizing the importance of working hard and giving their time to the development of the Abiriba community.
Interacting with some guests at the event, the former Commissioner for Information in Abia State, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, the President Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA), Chief Jerry O. Kalu (Oshimiri Ndigbo), and Dr Okorafor Ukiwe, congratulated Barr Agbai, wishing him well as his progresses in life,praying for good health upon him and as well, the strength to render more service to his family and community.
Chief Jerry KaluDr Okorafor Ukiwe
Recall, that the festive season usually herald alot of traditional activities in Abiriba ancient kingdom, ranging from traditional retirement to celebration of successful completion of a particular stage in the age grade system.
As you may know, once an individual is admitted into an age grade, they remain in that grade for a period of four years, serving the community before advancing to the next stage. The Abiriba community has a total of 13 age grade levels, with members serving in each grade until they reach the retirement stage.
On December 19th, 2024, Abiriba witnessed a celebration of monumental significance. Those who had reached the warrior stage were honored for their courage in going to war and returning unharmed. The phrase “IGWA MANG” holds great weight in the heart of every Abiriba man. It symbolizes strength and manhood, as the warrior stage is reserved for those who are not faint-hearted, it positioned between the lower ranks and the apex stage. Successfully returning from war marks the transition into the apex stage, where individuals take on roles focused on community decision-making.
Reports gathered during the Igwa Mang ceremony, when Abia Tour visited Barr Jackson Agbai’s residence, an expert in these traditions, revealed that prior to the colonial era, those in the apex age grade were forbidden from marrying until they returned alive from war. However, with the advent of modernization, the focus has shifted to community development rather than traditional customs.
According to him, the Igwa Mang festival is an ancient tradition that showcases the history of bravery. He said the event is basically to celebrate the victory of the warriors at the war front, adding that members at this level were usually happy to return home victorious from the war.
Celebrants equally shared their moods, expressing joy to return unhurt as warriors of Abiriba land, pledging their commitment to offer more selfless services to the community.
The Ime Uche/Igbo to nma ceremony of Barr Jackson Abba Agbai, held in his White House residence in Abiriba, was one that will remain etched in the memories of its sons and daughters for a long time. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and a sense of pride as the community came together to celebrate a grand occasion. Lavishly treated, the guests were welcomed with open arms and pampered in the most sumptuous manner. The setting was nothing short of spectacular, with an array of exquisite food and drinks, including fine wines that flowed generously throughout the event.
As the ceremony progressed, the music became an essential part of the celebration, providing entertainment that lifted the spirits of the attendees. Traditional and contemporary tunes harmonized perfectly, creating an energetic yet harmonious environment. It was a night where laughter, dancing and singing filled the air as friends and family reunited to share in the joy of the event.
The host ensured that every detail was perfect, from the decorations to the hospitality, leaving the guests thoroughly impressed. The love and unity of the community were palpable and the event exemplified the strong bonds that tie the people of Abiriba together. It was a celebration not just of the occasion but of the rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions of the town, making it a festival to remember.
