The Making of Mbano

The Making of Mbano is an authoritative historical analysis of the Mbano encounters with the British colonial structures in Southeastern Nigeria. Not only does it thoroughly examine the active and dynamic involvement of the Mbano people in shaping their colonial communities, but it also provides a refreshing window into the diverse experiences of colonial subjects in Africa. A highly original, fascinating book.

-- U. D. Anyanwu, Hezekiah University

The author has compiled robust research predicated on a variety of sources – archival, oral interviews, early colonial anthropological sources, colonial records, and the various published materials on Igbo history. I am highly impressed with Professor Ogechi E. Anyanwu’s level of historical work and vigorous analysis.

-- Raphael Chijioke Njoku, Idaho State University

Ogechi E. Anyanwu historicizes the lingering negative imagery of Africa held in the Western world. He repudiates the misrepresentation of the continent by providing authentic, ironclad proof that Africans—in this case, the Igbos of Mbano in Southeastern Nigeria—were resilient and unyielding to colonial mandates by assertively demonstrating their disagreements through various means. As Anyanwu reveals, the people possessed agency, embodied rich history, and cultural heritage worthy of scholarly narrative, discourse, and even pedagogy. This book is a must-read for all who study or seek authentic African history.

-- Bellarmine Ezumah, Murray State University

This work is a brilliant historical account of the course and consequences of colonial rule in Southeastern Nigeria and the dynamic role the Mbano people played in negotiating favorable colonial outcomes for their communities.

-- Chukwunenye Cliff Njoku, Coal City Univer