The concept of man has attracted varied definitions. From the Esan ontological perspective, man can be conceptualized as a 'Being in existence with others' and this describes that fundamental relatedness natural to the human person and defines culturally his mode-of-being. However, in this process, a number of questions arise. What is man as a 'being-with' and how does it make-up for the limitations of the other definitions? How does it contribute to man's value, dignity and meaning? To what extent will this make for a re-orientation of our concept of the human person and our attitude towards each other? How do we apply this African brand of humanism for pragmatic patriotism in globalization? With the critical, hermeneutic and phenomenological methods, this work studies the concept of man in Esan Ontology. This study concludes with the affirmation that impugning deeply into the traditional philosophical analysis of man which respects the value, dignity, meaning and purpose of the human person will make possible a world of peaceful relations, cultural valuation and moderate scientific exploitation.

Keyword: Esan, Ontology, Man, being, African

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