Umu-Ada Have A Spiritual Link With The Gods Of The Land, See Other Qualities They Possessed In igboland

…It’s God that assigned that unique position to them in the family

…Most female firstborns are conscientious, organised, dependable

…In larger family, it’s the opinion of Umuada that prevails

…In Ngwa land, it’s sacrilegious to make serious family decisions without first daughter

…They’re symbol of authority and special gift from God —Ibeku traditional prime minister

By Anayo Okoli, Vincent Ujumadu, Chidi Nkwopara, Steve Oko, Ugochukwu Alaribe & Chinonso Alozie

IN a typical Igbo family setting, the opinions/views of Ada, the first daughter, are very much regarded and respected.

Even in times of thorny issues in the family, she is invited to mediate and broker peace, and in most cases, her decision/opinion is binding on everybody, including the parents and the elder male siblings. SEV spoke to some Igbo leaders about why this special respect for the Ada, the first daughter.

They are symbols of authority and special gifts from God –Ibeku traditional prime minister

For the National President of the Traditional Prime Ministers of Nigeria, and the Traditional Prime Minister of Ibeku Ancient Kingdom of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State, High Chief Uche Akwukwuegbu, the first daughter is a symbol of authority and a special gift from God, saying that is why she is highly valued and respected among Igbo families. He added that first daughters are peace brokers, bridge builders, and the oil that lubricates the family in times of crisis.

According to him, any family in Igbo land without a daughter feels incomplete because no male child can play the unique role of a daughter in the family.

He said: “The first daughter is a special gift from God. She is a peacemaker and makes meaningful contributions to the family. First daughters love their fathers. They also love their family. They are special gifts from God and symbols of authority.

“Before important decisions are taken in any serious matter in the family, their opinions are sought. If anything happens to the father, even if he has many sons, they must wait to know the opinion of the first daughter.

“When the man dies, it is the first daughter that will carry the man’s portrait on the day of his burial. No family in Igbo land jokes with the first daughter. So, it is God who assigned that unique position to them in the family. Nobody will take it away from them…..Seê _ Morê