Welcome Address from the Chairman of Igbo Union

Igbo kwenu

Igbo kwenu

Igbo Kwezunooo

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and respected members of our community,

I extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to each and every one of you on this momentous occasion. It is truly an honor to stand before you today as we unite in celebration of the revered “Iriji” – the New Yam Festival, a cherished symbol of our rich African heritage.

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for the distinguished presence among us today. We are honored to have with us our esteemed.

Chief Superintendent Elliott Sharrard-Williams – Staffordshire Commander, County Local Policing Command and the Superintendent Mark Ward, also in the midst is Chief Inspector Donna Harvey – Head of Information Governance Op Hampshire,

Our Councillor Adam Jogee , Parliamentary Candidate for Newcastle-under-Lyme and Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion,  the distinguished President of the Anambra State Association Finland, Chief Kingsley Abisi. In addition, we welcome esteemed representatives from the Igbo Union Wolverhampton, delegates from Huddersfield, Leeds, Birmingham, and Manchester, as well as delegates hailing from various Igbo, Nigerian, and African associations. Our heartfelt greetings are extended to our special guests of honor, the esteemed members of the high table, and all the cherished guests gathered here today.

Today, we convene to commemorate the “Iriji” festival, an event of profound significance in Igbo culture. The Igbo people, who predominantly reside in the southeastern region of Nigeria, boast a rich history and cultural legacy. They are prominently found in seven Nigerian states, known for their unwavering resourcefulness and their wide-reaching contributions, both within their homeland and beyond.

The New Yam Festival stands as one of the most significant celebrations within Igbo socio-cultural life. It heralds the harvest season, symbolizing abundance, joy, and unity. It serves as a platform for fostering reconciliation, harmony, and solidarity among individuals, families, and communities.

Our festival today promises to captivate with enchanting cultural dances, vibrant Igbo music, exhilarating dance performances, and intriguing trivia. As a vibrant black community within Stoke-on-Trent, we take pride in enriching the cultural tapestry of our English neighbors through our creativity and artistic expression. We are firm believers in preserving and sharing our history, culture, and aspirations, and we have continually lent our voices, skills, and resources to foster a diverse and thriving Newcastle & Stoke-on-Trent communities.

In this light, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chief Superintendent Elliott Sharrard-Williams and Chief Inspector Donna Harvey of Staffordshire Police for their wisdom in engaging in vital discussions concerning police powers, the use of force, and their impact on the black community. These discussions have also centred on enhancing our understanding of the black community, improving relations, eliminating biases, and implementing essential training for Staffordshire Police when interacting with black and other minority communities. We eagerly anticipate further collaborations to strengthen police-community relations.

Furthermore, as president of this association and the coordinator of the Black and Asian Minority in Newcastle under Labour Party, I extend my appreciation to our esteemed special guests, including Parliamentary candidate Adam Jogee for his unwavering support of the black community and other politicians, and councilors of Labour and conservative party, who have been so dedicated to building a diverse community in Newcastle and Stoke-on-Trent. We appreciate your presence. Thank you very much!

In conclusion, I must acknowledge that this event would not have been possible without the unwavering support and tireless efforts of our families. I wholeheartedly commend the dedication of my colleagues on the Executive Board, committee members, those who contributed the financial resources, and the women who have worked tirelessly to contribute to the success of today’s event.

As I conclude my speech, I urge each of us to reflect upon our revered adage, “Igwe bu Ike” – an adage that emphasizes the crucial role of unity as the cornerstone upon which we build our collective accomplishments and progress. I encourage all of us to continue striving to be the best versions of ourselves, not only for our families but also for the betterment of our community.” I extend my gratitude to each one of you for accepting our invitation, and I wish all of you a safe journey home. Now, let us revel in the joy of this magnificent day together.

Thank you.

“Igbo birikwanu!!! Igbo muo nu!!! Igbo Zuo nuoooo.”