The history and culture of a people are indispensable to their growth and development because they provide the framework for a better interpretation of the present and projection of the future whilst retaining their identity.

Oral transmission is the main mode of transmitting history and culture among the peoples of the Old Okigwe zone, which constitutes the present-day Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, Imo State, Nigeria. The peoples of Okigwe diocese are divided into eight local governments in two states—Ehime Mbano, Ihitte-Uboma, Isiala Mbano, Obowo, Okigwe, Onuimo local governments of Imo State; Isuikwuato and Umunneochi local governments are in Abia State.

Sadly, as the older generation passes away, we are fast losing an important part of our identity. A google search about the history and culture of the peoples of the Old Okigwe zone provides little or no information about our history, food, markets, rivers and streams, other natural landmarks, traditional institutions and festivals, religion, weather, agricultural produce and farming strategies, and economy. These characteristics influence the culture of a people.

Against this backdrop, a group of priests and seminarians of the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe gathered to fix this lacuna. HACPOD is a digital library that collates articles, images, audio records and videos about the history and culture of the peoples of the Old Okigwe zone. The Church is involved because, throughout history, religious institutions have been the bedrock for preserving and promoting the history and culture of a people. More so, as Christians, Jesus came to provide abundant life (John 10:10). Abundant (holistic) life involves promoting the spiritual and temporal wellbeing of a people. The HACPOD initiative is a continuation of the salvific mission of Christ.

The Mission of HACPOD is to promote and preserve the history and culture of the peoples of the Old Okigwe zone for future generations.

The Vision of HACPOD is to promote tourist activities in our beautiful landscape, festivals, and cuisine.

The Purpose of HACPOD is to provide materials and references for future studies of our people.

Our Logo

• The black background represents our black skin, which we are proud of.
• The circle of the logo stands as a sign of unity that exists between the different peoples and cultures of Okigwe diocese.
• The gold colour represents something beautiful and valuable. That’s how we see ourselves – beautiful and valuable people. Hence our motto is Ọkigwe ọma m

HACPOD is in partnership with Sage Newspaper (The Official Newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe) and Chimefula Research Centre.

For more information contact us through this email:  info@hacpod.org