Migration and Cultural Identity Retention of Igbo Migrants in Ibadan, Nigeria

Nigeria, a country of 170 million people and 250 ethnic nationalities presents a complex picture of internal migration within its geographical entity. This study investigated 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 employed exploratory research design. Twenty-five in-depth interviews were conducted and two focus group discussion sessions were held with members of Eha Alumona home town association in Ibadan, a city in the south western Nigeria. Data were collected during the association’s meetings and other cultural activities involving the members of the group. The study adopted thematic content analysis of its data. The findings indicate that the Igbo migrant association 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.