About Us

The Igbo Union is a non-profit organization established by the people of Southeastern Nigeria, resident in the state of Washington, USA. The headquarters is in the Seattle metropolitan area. The aim, objective and desire for the establishment of the union is for the people to form and promote a cultural union of the Igbos; for promoting our cultural heritage, fostering the understanding and goodwill among the Igbos, Nigerians, Africans, Americans, and the public at large. Additionally, our purpose is to live up to our name; that is, to promote the general welfare of Igbo people both in Washington State, United States and elsewhere, especially those at home, in Nigeria.

The Igbo Union was officially established on August 10, 1996 - the same year it was incorporated. The wishes to thank all those whose contributions made it possible to establish this coming together of brothers and sisters of Igboland. We salute the courage and wisdom of the founding members, because they had in mind to bring together all Igbo people in the state of Washington; moreso, to have a forum where the Igbo people's issues and concerns would be addressed from time to time.

HISTORY OF THE IGBO PEOPLE OF SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA 

The Igbo tribe, and Igbo-speaking people are located in southeastern Nigeria. They are territorially marked off from the Benin and Warri in present day Edo and Delta States in the West of Nigeria. On the left bank of the Niger, the Igbos stretch from the «Niger Delta», where the Ijaw and the Ogoni are their southern neighbors, and to the north are the Igala and Tiv. On the eastern side could be found the Yako and the Ibibio, though separated by the Niger

Igboland has a tropical climate, where the average annual temperature is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit; and, an annual range of between 5 and 10 degrees respectively. There are three marked climates: the rainy (April to August), dry seasons (August - mid November) and the harmattan - a cold-like winter weather in November, December and January of every year. It could be as cold as 2 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Igbos are hardworking, industrious and geographically mobile, hence they could be found all over the world. These unique characteristics have made the Igbos to be successful in all their endeavors, thus, they are called the African Jews, a name and «trade-mark» that has been a source of hatred by other tribes in Nigeria. This jealousy and rivalry led to a 30 month civil war (May 27, 1967 - January 15, 1970) between the Igbo region (declared as the "Republic of Biafra) and the other tribes that retained the name - Nigeria. Of course   at the end of the war, there was a declaration of «"no victor and vanquished», yet the Igbos have been denied equal opportunities by all the past civilian and military governments of Nigeria.

The Igbos are known for generosity, hospitality, patience and intelligence

IGBO UNION OF WASHINGTON STATE, INC. will continue to function as a cultural organization, pioneering and bringing to life in the United States several Igbo cultural festivals. Most outstanding is their influence would be in bringing "Iri Ji" NDI-IGBO to the United States through the years.  Since IGBO UNION'S leadership in Nigeria celebrate this occasion, the celebration of this important cultural festival has spread to several countries where Igbos reside as a continuation of the culture, with each chapter (of Igbo organization) now organizing, sponsoring and celebrating this festival every year.

Fortunately, the full potentials of IGBO UNION are daily being realized. Nonetheless, more progress needs to be made, for which we are working relentlessly and pricelessly to achieve these goals, which the founding fathers and the Igbo people have all agreed to. Essentially, the primary objective is keep the Igbos UNITED; as One, indivisible and indissoluble. Thus come rain and sunshine, we have resolved that our unity is a task that must be accomplished.   As one of our elders has succintly put it, ""everything can be dissolved, but the Igbo people must forever remain one and indivissible, and at all cost." We therefore know that no organization, brotherhood, or people can truly realize their potentials:--cultural, economic or social--without "Unity and Love"" by (The Words of Our Elders Are Words of WISDOM). 

Indeed, Igbo Union is yet to construct or buy its own business office.  This, accordingly remains our priority, regardless of what the union's other goals are. The Project Committee has been established for this purpose, and everything has been put in motion for the full realization of this objective, thanks to the cooperation of all the members.

Igbo Union has had its ups and downs, going through all teething problems that all children undergo during their growth, however, the challenge remains a united concerted effort to remain focused, coherent and effective.

The present Executives have continued to pursue a program of 2 "Rs": Reconciliation, Reconstruction, which is the siprit of forgiveness that has ushered us into the directioin of the 21st Century - the new millennium.  Having entered the new millennium, IGBO UNION is now well-positioned for tolerating our differences, acknowledging our strength and diversity of opinion, no wonder we are growing in this area and direction.

We, as a people have remained resolved and committed to raising funds towards the acquisition of a meeting house and a business office.  We have continued to work relentlessly, and tirelessly in this direction and endeavor to publicize our presence and to create the awareness. With God on our side, the sky is our limit. An example is the interest of the current administration in creating this web site for IGBO UNION of WASHINGTON STATE, INC. to enable a worldwide reach in publicity.

The value of publicity is embedded in several popular Igbo proverbs. "Anyukota mamiri onu, ogbaa ufufu." "Agbako-agboko nunye nwanwa n'olu, anaghi awa-aja." and "Umunna bu-ike." The English equivalents would be: "Unity is strength", "United we stand, divided we fall" and "There is strength in number".   Additionally, the Igbo speaker knows that "ekwe kuo, ama agbaa." A fair translation of this last proverb is lacking, except to say that there is no underestimating the value of publicity when a community must be gathered and encouraged to stay together for a common cause.

Membership in the union is open to all Igbo indigenes, their spouses and their families residing in the State of Washington.  Membership is open to the Igbo sons and daughters.  Igbo indigenes herein is defined both by kinship and by blood.  Also Igbo daughters married outside of Igboland who wish to join the organization, are welcome.

For more information, please e-mail us at igbounionusamail@yahoo.com. To contact us by phone, please call (425) 741-6706.

Or Send Regular mail to:

Web site content by:
Professor IKEGWUOHA, Bernard-Thompson, Ph.D.
BenyFrank & Associates

Web site designed by:
Chuka Momah,
Igbo Union of Washington State