Female virginity and marital honour as vituous acts among the Ijaw people in Akpos Adesi’s Ebidein-ere

Abstract

This paper attempts a critical analysis of some cultural practices of the Ijaw People in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria using Akpos Adesi‟s Ebidein-ere: The Village Belle. Focusing on the themes of virginity and heroism, the study reveals that the act of keeping virginity by maidens before marriage is seen as highly honourable act by families and community. The paper also emphasizes the need to recognize elders and heroes for a better society.