Connect with us

Nigeria

The Church Could Make A Difference Taking Squarely on Racism

Published

5 years ago

on

“Growing up as an Ibo person, the concept of another human being superior to me did not exist because I did not have the exposure that could even suggest such a thought process”

― Ichie Onwuchekwa

Pardon me for writing to you in this manner. After receiving the recent copy of Diolog, the various articles on racism have fascinated me in a manner that has never been the case in the past. As a brief introduction, I am an Igbo man who years ago became a Naturalized American Citizen. Nigeria, the biggest Country in Africa has three major tribes, the Hausas (Moslems) the Igbos (Christians) and the Yorubas (Mixture of Moslems and Christians) Each of these three groups have more population than most Countries. The Igbos are estimated to be between 45 to 55 million people.

In the late 1970s the Government of Nigeria gave me an academic scholarship to study Engineering here in America. I stayed after my education and raised my family here. From my Nigerian Ibo upbringing, the concept of racism, in my mind seems not to be as defined as it could be for a person who was born and raised here in America without the benefit of the other ethnic and/or demographic influences that I was exposed to, growing up. I will perhaps not be able to fully explain this point of view but I will make an attempt, based on personal perspectives.

Since these discussions are being done under Christian settings, every time I contemplate on the term “racism” I often ask myself, “how would Jesus Christ have talked of racism?” In my understanding of the Bible or Church history, I am not quite clear if there was any definitive allusion to the concept of racism by Christ. Perhaps, he may have but I am just not quite sure.

First, in my mind, there appears to be lots of contradictions in terms each time the subject is discussed. For example, when I hear the term “people of color” everything that I learned in kindergarten compel me to think that there may be people that are “colorless”. Honestly, I have problems believing that some people may be colorless ….there may be shades of colors but definitely everyone has color. Citing the same logic, I have never actually seen a “white person” because in kindergarten, I learned to associate the word “white” with paper or a white shirt. In my experience in Africa, certain people can actually be described as “black”. In fact, the closer one gets to the Sahara desert, the darker the people appear to become. Therefore, in our part of Southern Nigeria, we can easily differentiate people from say Sudan by their much darker complexions.

On reflections, I do think that there are terms and conclusions we always try to avoid when we use the term racism” and/or people of color. I could be wrong but when I really think deeply about these terms, what comes to my mind is the unspoken term “superiority” that may be implied when most of the people think in these terms. From a personal experience, I remember in my freshman year at the Texas A&M University here in Texas. My class completed a test in Calculus and when the Professor returned our papers the next class day, a Caucasian classmate that was sitting next to me saw my score on the test and his face displayed a great degree of surprise. Then he asked me “you are not really black, are you?” it took me a while to realize that in his mind, a black person could not possibly score more than him or score well in a Calculus test.

On balance, I did not consider his reaction racism but ignorance. He did not realize or know the level of my academic preparation prior to coming to Texas. Growing up as an Ibo person, the concept of another human being superior to me did not exist because I did not have the exposure that could even suggest such a thought process.

Christianity came to my part of the World from England in 1857 but prior to that, my ancestors had varied history of their existence and ways of life, some of which persist even today. I will argue that the scourge of slavery contributed a lot in shaping the psyche of many in the Western World. Thus, some people based on their collective experiences accept in their minds the idea of being inferior, while some conclude that they must be superior by the virtue of their skin colors.

In the West, anytime the word poverty is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is “black or color people” as if there are no poor Caucasians.

Thus, in the Western World, anytime the word poverty is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is “black people” or people of “color” as if there are no poor Caucasians. The discussion never pauses to ask …. “poor as compared to what?”…

Growing up as an Igbo boy, I never knew that we were poor because we always had food and the necessities of life that were applicable to where we were born. I never had scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast until I came here to attend college but I never missed breakfast while at home in Nigeria. We were always happy because we were always able to provide for ourselves and for me there lies the beauty of God our creator. If God wanted “plain vanilla” in this World, he would not have had any problems making all of us one color.

If God in His infinite wisdom created diversity, will it not be proper to boldly recognize the essence and need for that diversity? As I write, I am looking at your picture published on the Editor’s page. I see a picture of a good-natured lady with a smile but the fact remains that we are different and I am not referring to gender. So, as we examine how racism exists in our daily lives, we must thank the Almighty that we are different as His grand design wanted this World to be. You cannot for example differentiate me from an atom therefore I do not think it could be realistic for you or me to easily meet each other and fail to realize and acknowledge the fact that we are different. As God’s children, I do not think that we could ignore or deny our differences but when we dare to assume that certain skin color could make some people superior to others we are seriously missing the point…God’s point!

From my study of the early Church history, it took St. Paul time to convince the early Church in Jerusalem of the need to include the gentiles amongst the people worthy of receiving the Ministry of Christ. Remember that then, St. Paul was not exactly talking about “black people” because such was not exactly his major experience. He was talking of non-Jews such as Greeks and others who perhaps the early Church believed were not good enough to receive the teachings of Christ, regardless of their faith and beliefs.

I have always wondered whether skin color will matter when we all stand before Christ in judgement. Will He judge us on the basis of our skin color? I really do not believe so. I have always taught my kids to always be proud of who they are and never defer to anyone because of physical appearances. I also urge them to realize that people are different. That when people interact with them on the basis of ignorance, they must recognize ignorance for what it is. I take them to Nigeria (Ibo land) for a different perspective on things at every opportunity we get and they grew up proud of themselves. My daughter is a Board-certified Cardiologist in Houston and my son is an Engineer.

In conclusion, I honestly think that the Church could really make a difference in taking the lead on this subject matter. Hopefully our leaders in the Church will focus more on this subject matter. I will hope to learn more as this subject gets discussed in more details. Thanks for reading my lengthy write-up.

♦ Ichie Onwuchekwa is a columnist with WAP

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Education

Professor Josephine Onyido Earns Prestigious Nigerian Academy of Education Induction

Published

2 weeks ago

on

September 26, 2026

By

University of Port Harcourt scholar will be inducted into Nigeria’s apex education academy in Abuja, marking another milestone in a career spanning teaching, research, leadership, mentorship and advocacy

HOUSTON, TEXAS — Professor Josephine Azuka Onyido, an accomplished scholar and academic leader at the University of Port Harcourt, will be inducted into the Nigerian Academy of Education on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in recognition of her contributions to the advancement of education.

The ceremony, scheduled for the Conference Hall of the National Commission for Colleges of Education in Abuja, places Onyido among scholars recognized for sustained contributions to education, research, and academic development in Nigeria.

A Professor in the Department of Educational Foundations at the University of Port Harcourt, Onyido has built a career encompassing teaching, research, administration, mentorship, curriculum development, and institutional service.

She described the forthcoming recognition as both an honor and a renewed obligation to education. “I receive this recognition with profound gratitude and humility. My journey in education has always been driven by the belief that scholarship must extend beyond the classroom and contribute meaningfully to society. This induction is not simply a personal achievement; it strengthens my responsibility to continue advancing quality education, mentoring future scholars, and promoting opportunities for women and girls. I am deeply grateful to my family, colleagues, students, and everyone who has been part of this journey.”

Onyido earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education (English), a Master of Education, and a Ph.D. in Sociology of Education. She is also a permanent member of the University of Port Harcourt Senate. Her scholarly record includes more than 90 journal articles, book chapters and Sociology of Education Made Easy, a textbook developed to make concepts in the discipline more accessible to students.

Much of her research examines the intersection of education and society, with particular emphasis on gender, women’s empowerment, educational development, social justice and the rights of women and girls. Her work advocates translating academic research into policies and practices that expand educational opportunities and strengthen human-capital development.

Beyond research, Onyido has occupied several academic leadership positions. She served as Acting Head of the Department of Educational Foundations from 2021 to 2023 and has worked as the Departmental Coordinator of Postgraduate Programs, the Anti-Plagiarism Coordinator, the Academic Adviser, and the Editor of the Port Harcourt Journal of Education Studies.

Her influence also extends beyond her university. She has served as an external examiner for several institutions and has participated as a resource person for the National Teachers’ Institute, the University of Port Harcourt, the Centers for Higher Education and Sandwich Programs, and the National Universities Commission verification exercise.

Internationally, Onyido represented the Niger Delta Development Commission at the African Women in Leadership Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, expanding her engagement with issues of women’s leadership, empowerment, and social transformation.

She belongs to several professional organizations, including the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, the Association of Sociologists of Education of Nigeria, and the International Association for Gender Equity.

Her academic and community work have earned numerous recognitions, including the Millennium Development Ambassador Award, Lecturer of the Year, Outstanding Project Supervisor, and Professional Service awards.

Yet Onyido’s story also reaches deeply into heritage and service. She is the great-great-granddaughter of King Josiah Constance Ockiya, MINGI VII, Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom and Supreme King of Brass. Her great-grandfather, Rev. Daniel Ockiya, translated the Bible into the Nembe language.

A committed Catholic and Jerusalem pilgrim, she has also served in church and community leadership positions and was recognized by the Catholic Women Organization of the Port Harcourt Diocese as a “Quintessential Woman.”

For Onyido, the November 4 induction represents more than another distinction on an extensive academic résumé. It recognizes a career built around an enduring principle: education achieves its greatest value when knowledge is transformed into opportunity, service, and social progress.

Continue Reading

Houston

PCNI Elevates Chief Dr. Emmanuel Opara to Patron in Historic Ihiagwa Investiture

Published

2 weeks ago

on

September 26, 2026

By

Sugar Land People’s Club leaders celebrate their First Vice Chairman’s December 22 investiture, describing the honor as recognition of leadership, scholarship, service, and commitment to the enduring ideals of the People’s Club

HOUSTON, TEXAS — All roads will lead to Ihiagwa, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, on December 22, 2026, as members, associates, and well-wishers of People’s Club of Nigeria International gather for the Patronship Investiture of Hon. Chief Dr. Emmanuel Uzoma Opara, First Vice Chairman of the Sugar Land People’s Club of Nigeria International (SLPCNI).

The ceremony will mark another milestone for the Sugar Land branch, historically recognized within the organization as its First International Branch, and will elevate one of its senior officers into the distinguished circle of PCNI patrons.

Since its inception in 1971, the People’s Club of Nigeria has developed into an international social and philanthropic organization with branches in Nigeria, the United States, and Europe. Its tradition emphasizes fellowship, community service, and the principles of Love, Unity, and Service.

Within that tradition, patronship carries significance beyond a ceremonial title. Patrons are expected to serve as senior advisers, custodians of institutional values, and respected voices in sustaining the organization’s heritage and direction. The recognition is traditionally associated with sustained service, leadership, and commitment to the Club and society.

For Opara, the honor also recognizes a professional life extending far beyond community leadership.

An academic and technology specialist, Opara’s scholarly interests span cybersecurity, digital and media forensics, artificial intelligence, and Agentic AI. His research includes digital forensic investigation, incident response and threat analysis, memory analysis, advanced-adversary containment and intrusion detection, including applications of Python programming.

His work also engages with memory forensics and investigative technologies, as well as the offensive and defensive dimensions of cybersecurity, commonly characterized as Red Team and Blue Team operations.

Opara is a Fellow of the International Information Management Association (FIIMA) and serves as an Associate Editor of the Journal of International Technology and Information Management (JITIM).

Reflecting on the forthcoming investiture, Opara described the recognition as a responsibility rather than simply another distinction.

“I receive this honor with profound gratitude and humility. Patronship represents a responsibility to protect the values that have sustained People’s Club for generations: love, unity, service, and genuine fellowship. Whatever we achieve professionally becomes more meaningful when we use our knowledge, experience, and resources to strengthen our communities and create opportunities for others. I look forward to serving the Club at an even greater level.”

Grand Patron of SLPCNI, Hon. Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu, said Opara’s elevation reflects the leadership qualities expected of those entrusted with preserving the organization’s legacy. “Chief Dr. Opara represents the combination of intellectual accomplishment, community service, and organizational commitment that the People’s Club should continue to encourage. Patronship is not merely about recognition; it carries an obligation to guide, support and protect the institution. We are proud that another leader from our Sugar Land family has earned this important honor.”

Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman of SLPCNI, said the investiture demonstrates the depth of leadership within the Sugar Land branch. “This is a proud moment for Sugar Land People’s Club. Chief Dr. Opara has distinguished himself through service, scholarship, and dedication to our organization. His investiture strengthens our branch while reinforcing our connection to the national and international People’s Club family. We congratulate him and look forward to celebrating with him in Ihiagwa.”

The December gathering is expected to draw PCNI leaders, patrons, members, family, friends, and community representatives from Nigeria and abroad. Beyond the pageantry of the ceremony, however, Opara’s investiture carries a broader institutional message: leadership within the People’s Club is ultimately measured by service.

On December 22, Ihiagwa will host the celebration. But for Sugar Land, the occasion will also be a celebration of one of its own—a scholar, technology professional, and community leader entering a new chapter of responsibility in the People’s Club tradition.

Continue Reading

Houston

Membership Surge Continues as Dr. Nkem Ugwu Joins People’s Club

Published

3 weeks ago

on

September 20, 2026

By

Following a successful induction ceremony, the First International Branch continues to attract new members drawn to its tradition of friendship, service, culture, and community

SUGAR LAND, TEXAS — The Sugar Land People’s Club of Nigeria International (SLPCNI) is continuing its membership expansion following its recently concluded induction ceremony, with Dr. Nkem Ugwu becoming one of the latest community members to join the organization.

Ugwu, a Sugar Land resident originally from Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria, is an entrepreneur and mother of three sons, a mother-in-law, and a grandmother. She describes service to others, family, and community engagement as important parts of her personal and professional life.

Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu addressing the September Conference of the Sugar Land PCNI

Her membership comes on the heels of the branch’s successful bi-annual induction ceremony, during which 16 new members were formally sworn in by PCNI National President Atty. Fidelis Onyebueke. The celebration attracted national leaders, patrons, and members representing branches from across the People’s Club network.

Photo from left: Hon. Chief Sir Michael Okeke; Hon. Anaeto Okakpu “Oranwezuluaku”; Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu; Hon. Dr. Nkem Ugwu ; Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman; Hon. Chief, Sir Basil Mbuba; Hon. Chief Sir Dr. Uche Egbuchuam “Akudo World Wide.”

Ugwu said joining the organization provides an opportunity to develop meaningful relationships while contributing to its mission.

“I am truly excited and honored to join the prestigious People’s Club of Nigeria International, Sugar Land Branch. I look forward to getting to know fellow members, building lasting friendships, and becoming actively involved in this vibrant and welcoming community. I am especially drawn to the Club’s tradition of fellowship, service, and mutual support, and I hope to contribute my experience, energy, and passion for serving others to its continued growth.”

Grand Patron Ide Obinna Nnanyelugo Mbachu welcomed Ugwu, describing continued interest in membership as encouraging for the historic First International Branch.

Membership Chairperson Hon. Chief Udoji Achebe and Hon. Ndidi Chidume

“When people of accomplishment and community spirit continue to identify with our organization, it tells us that the values upon which People’s Club was built remain relevant. We welcome Dr. Ugwu and look forward to the experience and fellowship she brings to our family.”

Hon. Prof. Chris Ulasi, Group Chairman, said the branch’s recent induction helped showcase an organization that continues to combine Nigerian cultural heritage with community engagement in Houston.

“Our successful induction created tremendous enthusiasm, but our focus goes beyond ceremonies. We are building a stronger organization rooted in friendship, responsibility and service. Dr. Ugwu’s decision to join reflects that continuing momentum.”

One of the meeting hosts, Hon. Professor Keih George, introduces the co-meeting hosts.

Membership Chairperson Hon. Chief Udoji Achebe said the branch remains interested in individuals prepared to participate actively in its programs and fellowship.

“Membership is about belonging, but it is equally about participation and contribution. We are delighted to welcome Dr. Ugwu and other prospective members who share the principles and aspirations of People’s Club.”

For SLPCNI, the growing interest following its induction represents another chapter in the evolution of a branch with a special place in the organization’s history.

And for Ugwu, it marks the beginning of a new journey—one centered on friendship, community, and service.

Continue Reading

Trending