"ANEGBEMUN" Philosophy in Esan and the strength of her work Ethics

"ANEGBEMUN" PHILOSOPHY IN ESAN & THE STRENGTH OF HER WORK ETHICS 

By Prof. Matthew A. Izibili

Department of Philosophy,

Ambrose Alli University,

Ekpoma, Nigeria

Prof. Matthew A. Izibili

This is a follow up of my last reflection on Unuane philosophy. It is a common saying in Esanland that the more supportive we are to one another,  the more progress that would be recorded. This sounds great & inviting.  But,  it shouldn't be taken for granted that it is not all & sundry that is ready & willing to be supported or assisted. After all,  whoever is desirous of support/assistance should be so disposed...kind words,  humility,  sincerity,  & heart of gratitude. 

There's no two ways to make it work better than for the owner of a luggage requesting for a hand to lift such to his or her head, to be the first person to bend down towards the luggage before the person who is to give a helping hand will add his/hers. This is the ideal thing to do.  I wish to humbly rely on the simply painted portrait above to reflect on what I titled  "Anegbemun philosophy" with the aim of strengthening the known work ethics as practiced in Esanland.

"Anagbemun", as used here means that no one is all sufficient, to himself or herself.  Simply put,  no man is an island. This philosophy thrive on the principle of "Aidiabokpa" - (humans are differently made with levels of endowment,  competencies, capabilities, influence, & above all grace). To drive home this position, my shallow understanding of international trade,  made me know of what is regarded as the princple of"comparative advantage "...areas of strengths and weaknesses discovered & complimentarily put to use. 

When it is said in  Esan language that if there are willing hands on the load of life, the lighter such load becomes,  it sounds like an inescapable choice made by people of like minds.  It is not always the case. Our society is fast becoming such that everyone feels "entitled" to the genuine support or assistance one is ready to give. How do you explain the case of one who only thought that he could give a helping hand only to be wrongly brandished the 'load owner'. The natural play pattern for fictional dogs,  comes to mind here: "you fall for me, & I fall for you,  nai de make play sweet". Anegbemu...'you fall for me ' does not mean necessarily that you are oweing any debt to be paid some day. It rather means that we need each other. 

Yesteryears,  the philosophy of 'Aihebholoria' ( you need not deny your root) or "Okpamakhin" (we are one), created the consciousness in most people in Esan to extend hands of fellowship & assistance to relatives. Some took children of brothers or sisters in, so that they could empower them & be more useful to themselves later in life. It worked out for the good of as many people who were on their own determined to be useful individuals not minding the "new experiences" they were exposed to in the new homes outside their first homes.

 What I called "new experiences " in the hands of the uncles,  aunties,  elder brothers or elder sisters, were good school syllabus to be covered for any positive minded young man/woman. Be thankful for such gesture if you were opportuned to have one each time you look back... If not for any other thing,  you were thought to be hard working,  develop a good use of initiative, discretion, & to be alert. 'Ogagomon' & 'Obiomon' are not the same. (Strictly for Esan speaking reader Pls.).

The hard working nature of the true Esan personality is a trait that cannot be wished away. Hence,  indolence in whatever guise is seriously frowned at in Esan work ethics.  The said ethics promotes the recognition of hard work,  diligence,  perseverance  & pursuit of noble means of livelihood. These were the cherished & encouraged way of life by the people. Is this still the case? Where is the Iruogan spirit & practice way back among our people?  Iruogan was born for the purpose of Anegbemu philosophy. Iruogan is to be taken care of some other time  soon God willing. 

Parents have enormous role to play in making sure that their children respect work ethics.  There's serious need to instill the virtue of "Okhen " ( creativity,  versatility, ingenuity, etc) in our children. A trader that merits the name,  a successful or big time trader (Okpokhelen in Esan) must be a serious minded,  committed & goal oriented individual.  He/she will not be the type that displays one brand of article or product & complain at the end of the day that there's no good sales. Variety they say,  is the spice of life. 

In the light of the above,  there is need to diversify & be skillfully empowered. Certificates from our colleges & Universities as the case may be, are good but not enough. Parents should pls not pretend about the get-rich-quick syndrome that is prevalent in our society today. Caution is the watch word, like discretion remains the greater part of valour. 

Things to note:

Anegbemu philosophy is a call for all of us to be committed in making things work. It is not one person affair. All hands should be on deck to make things work out for the overall good of the family,  the community, the state & the nation. And again,  as stake holders in the business of being our brother's keeper,  we must not lose sight of the "keepability" of the brother before you creat room for such.  Else,  you may just be putting on a shirt on soldier ants within. It is better imagined than experienced... "Elobekemen: The goat as yam keeper", believes in the aphorism that "Anegbemun ielen oikhua" (If we all enjoy supportive hands from each other in the carrying of life luggage,  the lighter it becomes). 

 My prayer for you,  yes you is that your good deeds in the spirit of Anegbemu will not take you to your untimely grave. 

May good things follow you so long as you love good things.  Remember,  nothing good comes easy.  Patience! 

TGIM@ Zibilism.