In a bid to foster connections to their heritage, the Ozo running club has quickly gained popularity, providing a supportive space for Igbo individuals to engage with their culture while enjoying the camaraderie of running.
Running to Celebrate Heritage: The Ozo Club Unites Nigerians in London
Running to Celebrate Heritage: The Ozo Club Unites Nigerians in London
Discover how the Ozo running club has become a vibrant community hub for Igbo Nigerians in London, promoting cultural connections through fitness.
At London's iconic Hyde Park, a vibrant group of runners assembles on a Saturday morning, with an unmistakable energy flowing between them. Most are Nigerians of Igbo descent, gathered under the banner of the Ozo running club. Established to honor and celebrate the rich culture of one of Nigeria's major ethnic groups, this club has quickly forged a close-knit community.
Chibueze Odoemene, one of the club's co-founders along with Emeka Atumonyogo and Chigo Ogbonna, emphasized their motivation: “We aimed to create a space for young Igbo individuals to connect and reconnect with their cultural roots.” In just a few months, membership has soared to over 300, reflecting a need for community among young migrants.
The Ozo running club exemplifies a broader trend, as global participation in social running clubs surged by 59% this year, according to Strava. However, for the Ozo members, it’s about more than just running—it’s an opportunity to transform strangers into family. Each Saturday meeting is alive with Afrobeats music, creating an inviting atmosphere where tradition meets modernity.
Mr. Odoemene invokes traditional Igbo greetings that resonate through the park, creating a moment of unity that transcends the act of running itself. “The chant signifies our bond and shared identity,” he explains, highlighting the pride inherent in their cultural expression.
Despite the club primarily serving the Igbo community, it welcomes participation from people of all backgrounds. “You don’t have to be Igbo to join us,” adds Mr. Atumonyogo, noting attendees from diverse origins who come to learn about and engage with Igbo culture.
On an individual level, the running club has found resonance among young people like Francesca Ngozi Ezennolim, who traveled from Reading yearning for connections with her Igbo roots. “I don’t have many Igbo friends, and I am excited to find a community where I belong,” she shares. Similarly, newcomer Jennifer Iwuamadi views the club as an essential avenue for socializing and fostering friendships.
While the Igbo, one of Nigeria's largest ethnic groups, have seen their community thrive in the UK (rising from approximately 8,000 to 11,000), some members feel their culture is increasingly at risk. UNESCO predicted in 2006 that the Igbo language may face extinction. Mr. Odoemene articulates the necessity of preserving Igbo identity, asserting, “Nigeria encompasses various cultures, and it’s crucial that all are recognized.”
The history of the Igbo people remains complicated, as war and marginalization shape their identity. Although the Biafran War brought severe suffering and collective memory, the Ozo running club seeks to create positive narratives that amplify Igbo presence and relevance.
“Most of Africa's prominent cultural icons are Yoruba,” says Uzoma Ehziem, one of the club’s pacers. He believes the club helps elevate Igbo representation in a broader cultural context beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The Ozo running club not only focuses on fitness through organized running sessions; they also plan diverse social outings, including karaoke and an upcoming Igbo gala. As members reconnect after their runs, the atmosphere is filled with laughter, exchanged phone numbers, and promises to meet again, solidifying friendships that are rooted in both shared experience and cultural pride.
As the spirited group of runners disperses, it’s clear that the Ozo running club is far more than just a fitness initiative; it has become a profound symbol of community, unity, and the celebration of Ogbo heritage in a foreign land.
Chibueze Odoemene, one of the club's co-founders along with Emeka Atumonyogo and Chigo Ogbonna, emphasized their motivation: “We aimed to create a space for young Igbo individuals to connect and reconnect with their cultural roots.” In just a few months, membership has soared to over 300, reflecting a need for community among young migrants.
The Ozo running club exemplifies a broader trend, as global participation in social running clubs surged by 59% this year, according to Strava. However, for the Ozo members, it’s about more than just running—it’s an opportunity to transform strangers into family. Each Saturday meeting is alive with Afrobeats music, creating an inviting atmosphere where tradition meets modernity.
Mr. Odoemene invokes traditional Igbo greetings that resonate through the park, creating a moment of unity that transcends the act of running itself. “The chant signifies our bond and shared identity,” he explains, highlighting the pride inherent in their cultural expression.
Despite the club primarily serving the Igbo community, it welcomes participation from people of all backgrounds. “You don’t have to be Igbo to join us,” adds Mr. Atumonyogo, noting attendees from diverse origins who come to learn about and engage with Igbo culture.
On an individual level, the running club has found resonance among young people like Francesca Ngozi Ezennolim, who traveled from Reading yearning for connections with her Igbo roots. “I don’t have many Igbo friends, and I am excited to find a community where I belong,” she shares. Similarly, newcomer Jennifer Iwuamadi views the club as an essential avenue for socializing and fostering friendships.
While the Igbo, one of Nigeria's largest ethnic groups, have seen their community thrive in the UK (rising from approximately 8,000 to 11,000), some members feel their culture is increasingly at risk. UNESCO predicted in 2006 that the Igbo language may face extinction. Mr. Odoemene articulates the necessity of preserving Igbo identity, asserting, “Nigeria encompasses various cultures, and it’s crucial that all are recognized.”
The history of the Igbo people remains complicated, as war and marginalization shape their identity. Although the Biafran War brought severe suffering and collective memory, the Ozo running club seeks to create positive narratives that amplify Igbo presence and relevance.
“Most of Africa's prominent cultural icons are Yoruba,” says Uzoma Ehziem, one of the club’s pacers. He believes the club helps elevate Igbo representation in a broader cultural context beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The Ozo running club not only focuses on fitness through organized running sessions; they also plan diverse social outings, including karaoke and an upcoming Igbo gala. As members reconnect after their runs, the atmosphere is filled with laughter, exchanged phone numbers, and promises to meet again, solidifying friendships that are rooted in both shared experience and cultural pride.
As the spirited group of runners disperses, it’s clear that the Ozo running club is far more than just a fitness initiative; it has become a profound symbol of community, unity, and the celebration of Ogbo heritage in a foreign land.
