IGBO COMMUNITY GREATER MANCHESTER (ICM) – ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT
Ndigbo have had a very long presence in Manchester, or more accurately, Greater Manchester – the north west region of England. It is habitual for Ndigbo to live as a close-knit community. Our patterns of life in Igboland, in the eastern part of southern Nigeria, are easily replicated everywhere we go. We form especially community associations of diverse configurations, interests, goals and objectives. These associations give expression to our sense of solidarity and community life, i.e., the sense of mutual interdependence.
ICM was formed in 2014, to replace a short-lived pre-existing association, with the adoption of the motto: ‘OGANIRU’, which means progress, and implies in the context of Igbo socio-communal life, the wellbeing and prosperity of all. OGANIRU is thus inspiring vision of ICM’s founders. ICM is not the singular community association of Ndigbo in Greater Manchester; this fact should not surprise anyone. However, what is distinct about it is its umbrella status. It is conceived and designed to embrace every Igbo person within Greater Manchester. As an association, it has made progress in many fronts, achieved some of the founding aims and objectives, and is still marching on. 2019 saw the celebration of a fifth-year anniversary, and subsequently a tenth-year anniversary in 2025. Both were successful celebrations and marked a re-commitment of the officers, men and women of ICM to its aims and objectives.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The aims and objectives of Igbo Community Greater Manchester are the following: –
Welfare
(a)To promote the welfare of the Igbo people in Greater Manchester, in particular, and the Igbos in general;
Culture
(d)Most importantly, we aim to promote the culture, encourage sense of patriotism and brotherly bonds amongst the Igbos.
Unity
(b)To promote and foster unity, cultural diversity, ethnic pride, educational and social empowerment amongst its members;
Charitable
To voluntarily engage in charitable, humanitarian and socio-economic activities/services for the benefit of members, the Igbo community, host community, and the wider society at home (Nigeria) and abroad; [and]
Relationship
(c)To encourage and promote good relationships between the Igbos and the host British Community, as well as respect to other nationalities;
Association
To do such things that are conducive and incidental to the attainment of the objectives of the [Association] in order to portray her good image.
ICM EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
EVENT
"ICM 10th Year Anniversary Celebrations
EVENT
Iriji event in 2022
EVENT
End of year party in 2022
Our Mission
To nurture a thriving, united, and culturally vibrant Igbo community in Greater Manchester — one built on the spirit of Oganiru (progress), where our collective identity, heritage, and brotherhood are strengthened and celebrated. We envision a community that not only supports the wellbeing and aspirations of its members, but also serves as a bridge of positive influence and meaningful impact to Ala Igbo, to other Igbo organisations across the UK, to the global Igbo diaspora, and to the wider British society. Through sustained collaboration, cultural preservation, and community empowerment, we aim to contribute to a future where Igbo values, achievements, and voices are recognised, respected, and uplifted both locally and internationally.
Our Vision
At Igbo Community Greater Manchester (ICM), our mission is to:
• Promote the welfare, empowerment, and wellbeing of Igbos living in Greater Manchester.
• Foster unity, cultural pride, and a strong sense of belonging among members.
• Build positive and respectful relationships with the host British community and other nationalities.
• Preserve and celebrate Igbo heritage, values, language, and traditions.
• Lead and support charitable, humanitarian, and socio economic initiatives that benefit our members, the local community, and Igbo people at home and abroad.
• Uphold principles and activities that reflect positively on the image and reputation of the Igbo community.