2022 New Yam and Cultural Festival Speech by the President of Igbo Community in Dorset
Good afternoon, Mayors, Mayoress and Mayors escorts, Chairman of BCP Council, Chairman of the occasion, Rev Fathers, High Chiefs, Ndi Nze na Ozo, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, may I welcome all of you to this great day of our 2nd New Yam and Cultural Festival today in the land of Dorset.
Igbo community in Dorset (ICD) is a noble organisation, non-political, non-profit, and self-funded organisation for people from Igbo speaking areas of Nigeria who are resident in Dorset, England.
Igbos are known for seeking out their own anywhere they find themselves the world over. And so, it was that years ago, some Igbo people living in the South Sea County of Dorset, England came together to make the dream of getting together to promote the culture and welfare of the Igbos who are very far away from home a reality. This dream was realised on 8th October 2017, when a group of ten Igbos gathered for the first meeting in the house of Frank Anis. They are Mr Frank Anis, Mr Martin Uzoaga, Mrs Perpetua Nwokenaka, Mrs Emmanuella Agwagah, Mrs Nwando Onyeagwalam, Mr Anthony Agwagah, Mr Kennedy Onyeagwalam, Mr Johnson Okenwa, Mr Douglas Dike, and Mr Ikechukwu Akudolu (RIP).
This Noble organisation was founded with the aims of:
-Promoting the unity and progress of Igbo indigenes in the Dorset County and surroundings
-Uphold, promote, and educate the values and cultural heritage of Igbos
-Promote the welfare and aid progress of Igbos through all lawful means
-To encourage educational advancement, economic and social welfare of members
-To promote good relationship amongst members and similar organisation in Dorset
-To assist members to integrate into the UK society
From just gathering in homes, ICD has grown into a vibrant community that is making its mark within the county and environs. This has become possible through our efficient and effective leadership style and support of the whole members
It is a unifying association aimed at fostering unity among the Igbo people in Dorset. This is achieved through the collective support and upliftment of members, thus holding strongly to the Igbo adage “Onye aghala nwanne ya” meaning, ‘none should leave his or her kith or kin behind’ with strong emphasis on mutual support for the wellbeing of Igbos. ICD also helps to ensure that Igbo language is passed on to younger generations through a well organised monthly Igbo classes run by our qualified Igbo teachers and that the rich Igbo culture is shared with the people of Dorset.
The membership is open to all Igbos and those that understand Igbo language and cherish the socio-cultural values of Igbo tribe. Currently, we have over 120 registered active members.
ICD had its first Easter/Awareness party held on 1st April 2018 which was highly attended by our families and friends and was inaugurated on Sunday 9th December 2018. ICD marked its first celebration of the Iri ji (New Yam /Cultural) festival in August 2019 and the occasion was graced by the presence of Mayor of Poole, the Deputy Mayor of Bournemouth, a former Mayor of Bournemouth, representatives of Igbo groups from other counties, as well as some leaders from the diverse communities within Dorset.
This noble group have been involved with some charitable organisations in Dorset. Its members have not only raised money for charitable organisation as Oxfam but have contributed immensely to running of its shop in Boscombe through personal volunteering. ICD has participated in the Dorset’s World of Love Language Festival where diversity and inclusion is promoted through language and culture. Igbo language, cultural dance and artefacts from Igbo land was shared with many visitors. ICD is like a home away from home for students of Igbo origin who comes to study at Bournemouth University also for those that wish to reside and work in the Dorset County and its environs. In ICD, they can relax among kindred spirits who share same language and culture and get advice on how to live in a foreign land.
We support one another in difficult times like bereavement and sharing joy with celebration on happy occasions in our own unique traditional manner.
ICD acts as a catalyst in bringing people together for cultural, social, educational celebrations for the benefits of Igbos living in Dorset and for others in our local community.
Today as we welcome you all, we hope that you will enjoy our fulfilled events including the beauty pageant to select the first ever Ada Igbo in Dorset and display of our cultural dances. Long live Igbo Community in Dorset, Long live the Dorset County and thank you all.
Anthony Agwagah
President (2022)
