13/04/2026
'Ịna nni' n'ala Igbo (Receiving a titled man at an occasion in Igboland)
Written by the Village Elder, Okenye
In Igboland, when an Ọzọ-titled man comes into any occasion, he is welcomed in a special manner not just like any other person. He is given a special treat.
i. At the gate, he is offered a big tuber of yam or a fowl or both. This is in recognition of his identity and status. It is a disrespect and seen as a sign of 'jealousy' not to do that. It is known as 'Ịna Nni'.
ii. Next, as soon as he sits down, he is offered a ph***ic chalk (Nzụ). It is normally placed on the ground before him. He uses it to write his identity on the ground, a kind of signature.
iii. The white chalk is a symbol of purity, righteousness, love and welcome.
That is our culture, our tradition and who we are.
Comment by Ozonkpu Ezeudo
These items may also be monetized. It must be noted that there is a difference between ego oji and Ina nni. Some communities such as Enugwu-Ukwu do not have the ego oji culture.
In some communities, Ina nni is known as ikpo ngu.
