AFRICAN CULTURE TRENDS AND FUTURE HOPE: HOSPITALITY AND DRESSING IN IKWERRE (EVO) CASE STUDY

The culture of hospitality and dressing, for the African, is a unique phenomenon of global concern. Hospitality and dressing are striking identities for the distinct African communities in Nigeria. In the pre-colonial era, the way an individual dresses in Evo community determines his status, occupation and religious affiliation. On the other hand, it is expected that a stranger is properly cared for when he or she visits the house of a native. These are as a result of the communal-centric nature of the people. In the pre-modern era, everyone cared for the welfare of a kinsman. However, there is a recent decline in the act of hospitality and modest indigenous dress styles today in Evo communities of Ikwerre ethnic group of Rivers State. This is as a result of forces of social and religious changes in the communities in modern times. This paper surveys the challenges of the decline in hospitality and inappropriate dressing styles in the culture of Evo people, including its participation in the social vices that trend in the society. Thus, using a phenomenological approach, this paper addresses the drastic development that will be achieved when these traditional ethos of hospitality and appropriate dress styles are reinstituted in Nigeria (forestalling rape, abuse and molestation) which will impact coherence and order in Nigeria and enhance national unity, peace and progress.

Open Full Text (PDF)