SOCIETY NEWS

Tradition marks Igbo Union 2nd anniversary

By Hakeem Babalola

Cross-section

Budapest, Hungary - The Igbo Union Hungary celebrated its end of the year party on December 3 in a grand traditional together which started with the breaking of Kola-nut. Although the ritual was performed in Igbo language, African News Hungary was carried along with the help of an interpreter.

The man who was assigned the task, KC Eze, appeared skilful as he sang, danced and chanted to the delight of the audience. He was supposed to break the kola-nut but refused simply because he was not an elder, according to our interpreter.

Mr. Eze then called all the tribes in Igbo-land to take the kola-nut after they had all witnessed the breaking.

This was followed by prayer – OFOR – for the long life of people and the land of Igbo in general.

Though the turn-out this year was low compared to last year’s, the presence of the Nigerian ambassador to Hungary obviously boosted the atmosphere.

Onuoha & Nnorom

The Onwa 1 of Hungary, Endy Nnorom, explained that this year’s party was meant to be closed unlike the open party last year. “This year’s party is exclusively for the members who pay their due,” said Mr. Nnorom.

Kems Onuoha who acted as the spokesperson for the Union minced no words as he proudly appraised Igbos and their work both in Nigeria and in Hungary.

While appreciating the significance of ambassador’s presence, Mr. Onuoha who is also a co-manager at the popular Calling Centre, affirmed that the prosperity of a country can be measured in respect to the domicile of the Igbo people residing in that particular country.

“If you don’t see an Igbo man in a country, you have to do a thorough check of that particular country,” he said, adding that Igbo people are the most hardworking in Nigeria, and “we have made our mark in this country (Hungary) as well.

Nigerian Amb (2nd left) flanked by some executives

Ambassador Charles Ononye representing the embassy responded by commending the executives saying, it was never easy to bring people together. He added that he was happy to be in the midst of strong people who often survive in difficult times.  

One of the invited guests, Mr. Gibril Deen who was described as a human rights activist, and who was said to have done a lot for the immigrants’ community in Hungary, described the occasion as an avenue to showcase Igbo cultural heritage in Hungary.

“It’s good because Hungarians can understand your culture,” he said, emphasizing the significance of cultural heritage.

Indeed it was an event in which Hungarians married to, or in a relationship with Igbos had the rare opportunity to learn one or two things about the cherished culture, as they graced the night with much affection. 

It could be recalled that the attraction of the maiden party last year was the installation of the Onwa 1 of Hungary. 

Meanwhile some people have started looking forward to the next year’s party which according to information gathered by African News Hungary could be open or closed. 

The Igbo Union, according to the Onwa 1 of Hungary, is operating under the Nigerian Union Hungary. 

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