Umuaka: The Center of the Universe – Honoring Dr. Alex Ginikanwa Agams Through History and Legacy By Lesley Agams.

On April 9, we marked 15 years since the passing of my father, Dr. Alex Ginikanwa Agams, son of Umuawaha in Umuezikeoha, a historian, extraordinary communicator, and a son of Umuaka whose life and scholarship were deeply rooted in our community’s heritage. He saw the world through the prism of Umuaka, believing it to be the center of the universe.

No matter how far he traveled, Umuaka remained his North Star, his reference point, his home. My father’s journey took him far beyond the lush forests of our homeland. He was among the brilliant African students of the 1960s who benefited from Soviet Union scholarships designed to educate young minds from newly independent African nations.

As a student at Moscow State University, he deepened his knowledge and honed his analytical skills, returning home with a vision, one that merged local tradition with global insights. But he also recognized a crucial truth: A people without history is a people without direction. If we do not document our past, we allow others to shape our narratives. His life’s work, whether as the Director for the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture or as a mentor to many, was dedicated to ensuring that our stories would not be lost. Today, we carry that work forward in his name. A Five-Year Plan for Legacy and Learning To honor his memory and continue his mission, we are launching three key projects: 1. The Dr. Alex Ginikanwa Agams Fellowship – A program supporting young historians, writers, and cultural advocates from Umuaka and beyond. The fellowship will offer mentorship, research grants, and networking opportunities to ensure that our history remains alive and thriving. 2. The Umuaka History Digital Archive & Library – A repository of historical documents, research, and oral histories that will serve as an accessible resource for scholars, students, and community members. The physical library will be housed at Urban Trade House, the office of the Women’s Crisis Centre in Umuaka, while the digital archive will be available online, making it accessible to Umuaka indigenes worldwide. This archive and library will also feature oral histories, photographs, and historical documents, making our collective past accessible to scholars, students, and the global Igbo community.  3. A Call to Preserve Our Past – We invite all who have conducted research on Umuaka—whether formally or informally—to deposit their findings with the archive. Our aim is to create a comprehensive record of our history, ensuring that future generations inherit the richness of our traditions.

These projects are more than just a tribute to one man’s legacy, they are an investment in the intellectual and cultural wealth of Umuaka, ensuring that future generations remain connected to their roots while engaging with the world. Join Us in Preserving Our Heritage History does not preserve itself. It is up to us, the indigenes of Umuaka, whether at home or in the diaspora, to take responsibility.

We are calling on individuals, families, and institutions to contribute in whatever way they can. If you have old records, papers, writings, books, or personal libraries, consider donating them to the archive. If you possess cultural artifacts but feel unsure about parting with them, we assure you they will be given a good home. Our goal is not only to store history but to give it life through research, exhibitions, and storytelling. Additionally, we welcome financial contributions to support these initiatives. Funding will help expand the fellowship, digitize materials, and maintain the library and archive for years to come.

The Time Is Now For those who, like my father, believe that Umuaka is the center of the universe—this is your chance to help shape its future. Let us build a legacy that ensures our past is never erased, our present is well-documented, and our future remains in our hands. To contribute or learn more, please contact us at lesley@naijabynatureng.com. Together, we will ensure that Umuaka’s history is preserved, not just for today, but for generations to come.