Igbo in United Kingdom

Introduction / History

Before the Colonial Era, the Igbos lived in federations of villages where they shared a common market and lived among extended families. The largest political unit was the village. Ironically, the Colonial Era gave them a greater identity as a separate ethnic group. In Nigeria, where they are especially prominent, Igbos attempted in the late 1960s to form a separate nation. It ended in disaster and civil war.

Today, the vast majority of the Igbos live in Nigeria, but some live in Cameroon, Ghana and Equatorial Guinea. They are also in Canada, the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Thanks to their mastery of the English language and high literacy rate, the Igbos have managed to live in various English-speaking countries in the West. They are often merchants and businessmen. Others are in academia.

In the U.K. they have formed their own running club where they can get in shape, meet other Igbos and engage in their ancient culture. They also have the Igbo Ambassadors United Kingdom, formed in 2016, to propagate their culture to the general public and network with one another. Igbo Women in the UK (IWUK) offers a foodbank to the needy in the U.K.

What Are Their Beliefs?

A high percentage of the Igbo are Christians, both traditional and Evangelical. In the West, their traditional religious beliefs become weaker.

What Are Their Needs?

They can easily be used by God to be Christ-bearers to Muslim West Africans in the U.K. They need the Holy Spirit to direct them towards evangelism and discipleship.

Prayer Points

Pray for revival in Igbo churches, leading them to a closer walk with Jesus and a desire to spread his goodness to others.
Pray for thousands of Igbo disciples to make more disciples who make more disciples.
Pray for them to experience the blessings of God and be thankful.

Text Source:   Joshua Project