In Igbo land, the Age Grade System is a proven approach to development.  For example in Igbere, Abriba and elsewhere dur­ing annual homecoming events, practical steps are taken where “anaghi ekwu ekwu, ana eme eme”. At such monumental events, with its pomp and pageantry the venue ndu³ is decorated with George and igu-nkwu.

The Ebiri (king) and Council of Chiefs are seated on the High Table. The format of venue is a square shape with all the villages and Age Grades seated. During role call, practical actions are taken and missions accom­plished. We say give an Igbo person a rea­son to act and the Igbo will produce.  Upon the call of each group, the group leaders rise to the occasion accompanied by their various executives. When they get to the high table, they demonstrate their commitment by handing a lofty check cutting their coat according to their size. They also will proclaim their next project before all, undertaking for in­stance to build the next bridge, Post Office or Health Center, the keys of which is to be presented to the community during the next Ezumezu. (culled from Igbo Basics Quarterly 1997)

Igbere is organized to function through age grade system. The age grade system is credited for security and development of Igbere. The following are the age grades of Igbere:

History of Igbere Age Grade System

• Egwuatu Age grade
  
• Eche-Eme Age Grade
  
• Umunnabuike Age grade
  
• AkajiEbiri Age grade
  
• Oganairu-Ebiri Age grade
  
• Omezi-Ebiri Age grade
  
• Udo-Ebiri Age grade
  
• Odinma-Ebiri Age grade
  
• Obi-Ebiri ii
  
• Ihe-Ebiri ii Age grade
  
• Ohabuike-Ebiri ii Age grade
  
• Ugwu-Ebiri
• Ochonma-Ebiri Age grade
  

Izara afa 2017