From Our Correspondent
Mr Felix Maduka, President-General, Anambra State Union in Côte d’Ivoire, has canvassed restoration of Igbo apprenticeship system to stem breeding of criminal elements in the society.
Maduka made the call at the 2nd annual seminar of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement of St. Charles Luanga English Community, Adjame, Cote d’Ivoire
TheNewsZenith reports that the theme of the seminar is “Rebuilding Apprenticeship Foundation’’.
In his presentation, titled “The Hidden Realities of the Igbo Apprenticeship’’, the Union leader examined the origins and benefits of the system.
According to him, the system inculcates good behaviour in the youths.
“Igbo apprenticeship initiative started in Nnewi, Anambra State. It later spread to other parts of Igbo land and even the nation.
“It’s a divine revelation that opened the consciousness of the Igbo people (Ndigbo) to better understand the special way that God taught them how to kill poverty through ambitious wealth creation,’’ Maduka said.
He explained that apprenticeship was misunderstood as taking someone into slavery kind, especially by the Igbo and non-Igbo elites.
Maduka lamented that due to lack of knowledge of the system, masters and apprentices often clash on business interests.
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He said that it had become necessary with the current state of society to make the apprentice understand that he is not a slave.
He noted that at the inception of the system, the apprentices were often totally obedient to their boss.
“But today, it is the contrary. This has resulted in most bosses not going for apprentices anymore. They go for a secretary or prefer to do the business alone.”
According to Maduka, the trend has led to an increase in delinquencies, social miscreants and criminal elements everywhere.
He also said that through strengthening Igbo apprenticeship and modernising it, “we will continue to kill poverty”.
“Believe in yourselves by avoiding distractions that will bring problems between you and your boss,” he said.
Maduka commended Catholic Charismatic Movement of St Charles Luanga, Adjame for initiating restoration of past glory of Igbo apprenticeship.
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