As Mbano People Meet:
History will be made today, Sunday, August 2, as Umu Mbano Bi Na Owerri hold their inaugural meeting. This first official /physical meeting will hold at Ibari Mbano Kitchen and Bar, located at Nkwerre Street, Works layout in Owerri, the Imo state capital.
Not long ago, few Mbano people living in Owerri came together to form this association. This social cultural association was formed because of the huge number of Mbano people in the state capital.
Though presently Mbano people can be found in two Local Government Areas, two different federal constituencies and one senatorial district of the same state, we have vowed never to allow political geography and configurations to deny us our common identities and brotherhood.
While there are Isiala Mbano and Ehime Mbano Local Government Areas, Isiala Mbano can be found in Okigwe North Federal constituency, Ehime Mbano is domiciled in Okigwe South Federal constituency. The beautiful thing is that the Mbano people are found in the same Okigwe senatorial district and in one state, Imo.
While politics seems to have divided us, this new baby which some of us founded recently is aimed among other things; bridging the gap and distant relationship between the Mbano people, especially those of them who live in Owerri. Aimed at enriching our contacts among our people. Aimed at expanding our contacts among us and communing among ourselves. Socializing and developing our home steads. It is also aimed at developing our business and academic contacts .
While a lot has been said about rumoured political colorations, the aims of the few of us ,especially myself who was one of those who founded this “Amara Nwanne” association are beyond vested political sentiments and alignments. While there is nothing wrong with our brothers and sisters who are politicians from joining us, partisan political activities would not be tolerated at the forum.
We want to resuscitate most of our cultural values, exhibitions and activities which had gone obsolete.
As you attend today’s first inaugural meeting of Umu Mbano Bi Na Owerri at Ibari Mbano Bar and Kitchen at Works layout in Owerri, at 4pm, think of one or two things we will do to make sure that Mbano people, especially those of them who live in Owerri are united like never before.
We are also on a WhatsApp platform. Feel free to send your number(s) across so that you will be added.
Okeoma writes from Aguna village in the Anara autonomous community, Osuama/Anara ward, Isiala Mbano LGA.
