IGBOSCHOLARS INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF IGBO SCHOLARS FORUM, NIGERIA

Nigeria, a country of over 170 million people and 250 ethnic nationalities presents a complex picture of internal migration within its geographical entity. This study investigates the issues relating to cultural identity retention among a highly migratory ethnic group, the Igbo, whose origin is in the Eastern part of Nigeria. The study employs exploratory research design. Twentyfive in-depth interviews were conducted and two focus group discussion sessions were held with members of Ezeagu Progressive Union (E.P.U) in Lagos, a city in the south western Nigeria. Data were collected during the union’s meetings and other cultural activities involving the members of the group. The study adopts thematic content analysis of its data. The findings indicate that the Igbo migrant union was a very active agency in the promotion of Igbo cultural identity among its members. Both material and non-material cultural elements were equally affected in the process of adaptation by the migrants. The study concludes that though the migrants indicated a high level of integration into their host culture, they continued to retain certain cultural elements of their community of origin.

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