The Esan Ibhiaba: Finding The Extended Self For Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs

As an entrepreneur or purpose-driven professional, it’s easy to feel like you’re going at it alone. The pressures of decision-making, financial uncertainty, and constant adaptation can make you feel isolated. But what if you could draw strength from something bigger than yourself? What if your sense of identity and purpose could be expanded by a connection to your community, your ancestry, and a tradition that has stood the test of time?

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I grew up in Amedokhian, Uromi, Nigeria, where life was organized around simple yet profound principles. Now, living in Italy and having had the opportunity to interview different scholars from around the world, through my podcasting and research projects, I have come to appreciate even more the way of life of the Esan people, where I first learned the foundational principles of community and interconnectedness.

Concepts like communal work, the spirit of collective existence, and a shared destiny were all seamlessly woven into everyday life, leaving a lasting impression on me. Today, I want to share one of these guiding principles—the Esan Ibhiaba, or the concept of the Extended Self—with you, in the hope that you too can learn from it and apply it in your professional and business endeavors.

The Esan concept of Ibhiaba provides a compelling model for how you can discover and embody an “Extended Self”—a self that thrives not just on personal ambition, but on the collective strength and wisdom of your community.

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During this conversation, we will consider various aspects of the concept and how to apply it in your life. We will examine a few publications in support of the concept, how it can be useful in building your extended self in a modern world, its relevance within your business area, and its spiritual significance. So, sit back and enjoy the reading.

Community as Strength: The Lesson of Ibhiaba

In Esan culture, Ibhiaba (or Obhiaba in its singular form) is more than just a family unit; it’s the foundational structure that supports social, political, and economic life. As described in Esan tradition, the word Ibhiaba combines “Obhio,” meaning brother, and “Aba,” which stands for father.

The concept extends beyond the immediate nuclear family to encompass the broader lineage, especially on the male side. Here, the idea of brotherhood extends to include all male descendants of a common ancestor, forming a collective that shares not only a bloodline but also responsibilities, support, and wisdom.

This structure teaches a powerful lesson for today’s professionals: your community can be your greatest strength.

When you see yourself as part of a larger whole, you gain access to shared resources, insights, and support that you might never find on your own. Just as the elders in an Esan Ibhiaba gather the younger members, resolve conflicts, and uphold traditions, you too can draw on the wisdom and experience of those who have come before you.

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This isn’t just about familial ties; it’s about recognizing that your success is intertwined with the success of those around you.

For example, consider how mentorship and peer networks function in the professional world.

When you engage in communities such as professional associations, industry groups, or even informal mentorship circles, you are building your own version of an Ibhiaba like in Esan land. This can also be highly valuable within the African diaspora community where people are always looking for African indigenous ideas that hold them together in building a deeper connection among them.

Through the principle of Ibhiaba, you are connecting with others who share your values and goals, and who can offer guidance based on their own experiences. This sense of shared purpose not only bolsters your resolve during tough times but also provides new perspectives that can lead to breakthrough ideas.

The Concept Of The Extended Self As Explained By Wade W. Nobles

Recently, I read an interesting article, titled “Extended Self: Rethinking the So-Called Negro Self-Concept” and I think it makes a lot of sense in what we are talking about today. Let’s explore it a bit and here is the link if you want to read the full document.

The publication by Wade W. Nobles explores the concept of the Extended Self within the context of African and African American identities, critiquing Western psychological frameworks for their role in reinforcing colonialist ideologies. Read more at