When Our Basil ‘ The Great’ Izuagba Died
Inchristendom,
as well as in classical philosophy, a name means a lot in terms of symbolism as well as standing as the guiding light to illuminate the direction that a person works towards attaining both here and the hereafter. In Igbo cosmology, it is said thus-:” Ezi Afa ka Ego” meaning that good name is better than material wealth and affluence.
I do share in the belief system that you are what your name says. One Philosopher told us that ‘ you are what you eat.’ Essentially, as an African Philosopher, I subscribe to the aphorism that “You are what your name is”.
And so, this is why both in Igbo cosmology and even amongst the billions of persons that profess their belief system as Christians like my humble self and my immediate family made up of Chisom Ugochi and Naetochukwu
Nnadozie, the naming ceremony is much deeper than just a social gathering or convivial sort of a carnival by a group of merry making happy people.
Naming ceremony is both spiritual and deeply metaphysical. And so the above scenarios and depictions are true when one reflects on the life and times of my father- in law who was named Basil, ( Basil Ikechukwu Izuagba) apparently after the very erudite Saint Basil the Great, the Bishop of Caesarea. His middle name means God is powerful. I believe that God is powerful and as the Bible says, the fool says in his heart, that there is no God.
And so, this believing family named their Son, my future father - in- law who truly lived as a good father to me, Basil Ikechukwu Izuagba. He was indeed Basil the great in such a way that he earned greatness academically and he built his modestly small family into a strong united family tree.
Before I proceed, let me say that my Father- in- law knew my type of palmie and he constantly supplied me the best, fresh from the trees.
Read the remaining part of this tribute
on www. guardian. ng