"Ife ka ndụ" pụtara ...

The expression Ife ka ndu is an Igbo philosophical statement. Ife (sometimes written ihe) means "something" or "thing," ka means "is greater than" or "surpasses," and ndu means "life." Literally, it translates as "something is greater than life."

This expression conveys the idea that the manner in which one lives matters more than simply being alive. It emphasises that the quality, purpose, and conduct of one's life are more important than mere existence. The meaning corresponds to Uzo anyi si ebi ndu di mkpa (the way we live life is important) - stressing that how we live, the values we uphold, and the legacy we leave are what truly matter.

The expression does not mean that nothing is important (o dighi ihe di mkpa) - that would contradict its message. It is not about truth being better (eziokwu ka mma), which is a different proverb. And it has no connection to debt (ugwo mmadu di egwu).