Follow Us on Google
It was the 87th anniversary last Sunday and they celebrated it with joy and fanfare. It was Ibeme people of Isiala-Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State marking more than three generations of their sojourn in Lagos, the land of aquatic splendour.
Their forbears had settled in Lagos way back in the pre-almagamation days but it was in the 1930s they began to have sizeable presence and began to band together.
In those days of innocence when hearts were pure and bland, all tribesmen would always bond together with their likes for comfort and protection. So was it with the early birds of Ibeme in those days. Newcomers would congregate in the company of earlier ones until they formed a sizeable community.
Initial muster points were places like Ijeh in Obalende, Iponri, Olodi Apapa, Marine Beach and, finally, Surulere.
From banding together and bonding, a formal union emerged. It went by various names: from Ibeme Cultural Union to Ibeme Welfare Union, Ibeme Improvement Union and, lately, Ibeme Central Union. From brothers providing initial shelter and menial jobs, a strong sociocultural-cum-welfare platform emerged, cashing in on rapidly increasing numbers. The emergent Ibeme union in Lagos became a melting pot for cultural renewal, social engagements and communal camaraderie.
Former media adviser to former Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State and chairman, Planning Committee of Ibeme @ 87 anniversary, Mazi Steve Osuji, said: “It was also a pillar of welfare largesse and economic support to members. The spirit of kinship which upheld the Igbo ethos of Ibu anyi danda (in unity, we surmount all obstacles) continued with just a brief interregnum occasioned by the civil war.
“Ibeme in Lagos has waxed even stronger upon return to Lagos after the war. It has continued to thrive till today giving succour to members and helping to drive development in the homeland.
“Today, Ibeme Central Union is over 120 members strong. It boasts of a solid group insurance scheme for members as well as having a Welfare Fund and a Sovereign Wealth Fund. It seeks to do more in the area of education support for youths of Ibeme.
“The 87th anniversary celebrated last Sunday was to honour our heroes past and in recognition of the present generation who have ensured the ship continued to sail. Various categories of awards were given across board. There was a lot to eat and drink.
“Ibeme sons and daughters attended in large numbers with funding support for the education programme coming from home and abroad. Notable among them are Dr. Ike Osuji and George Osuji.”
Chairman of the day was Amb. Dr. Kenneth Osuj (Mariek Industries), who was represented by Chief Raph Okoroha. Father of the Day was Chief (Sir) Poly Ezeji and Mother of the Day was Lolo Theresa Ugwo. The chief hosts were Sir Levi Akujo and Sir Emmanuel Osuji, who are also patrons of the union.
Current president of Ibeme, Mr. Placid Eziefule, told the gathering that the union today is bigger, better and highly purpose-driven. He thanked both members and guest for their presence and immense support.
Of course, members and guests had a swell time as there was a enough to eat and drink.
