Igbo Union Tübingen-Reutlingen e.V. | Aid Association

Tübingen - Reutlingen e. V Igbo Union OBINWANNE – Non-profit and non-political association based in Reutlingen – event

About Us

The Igbos are the second largest ethnic group and live primarily in southeastern Nigeria. Their population is approximately 33–40 million. They are one of Nigeria's three largest tribes, comprised of many subgroups, and are known for their social and cultural diversity. The Igbos, popularly known as NDI Igbo, are predominantly Christian and are considered hardworking, intelligent, and well-travelled. They can be found on all continents, including the Americas, Asia, Europe, and others.

It is said that one in five Africans on the streets of Europe is an Igbo. The Igbos inhabit areas of Nigeria ranging from Anambra, Enungu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Rivers, Cross-River, Delta, Bayelsa, to parts of Akwa-Ibom and Benue states, comprising over 1,000 local government areas.

It is widely known that the Igbos are the lost tribe of Israel and the richest ethnic group in Africa.

Language

Igbo Union Tübingen-Reutlingen e.V was founded in 2016 and is registered in Amtsgericht Stuttgart as a Social Cultural, non-profit making and non political organisation with Headquarter in Reutlingen Germany.
‍
The Igbos are the second largest ethnic group of people living mostly in the South-eastern Nigeria, with population estimated to be over 40 million, and a large diaspora communities around the world. They are one of the three major tribes in Nigeria, and consist of many subgroups and are known to be socially and culturally diverse. The Igbo people who are popularly called NDI IGBOare known to be industrious, intelligent and well travelled.

It is said that one out of every five Africans in the street of Europe is an Igbo. The Igbos occupy areas in Nigeria which ranges from Anam bra, Enungu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Rivers, Cross-River, Delta, Bayelsa, Parts of Akwa-Ibom and Benue States with over 1000 Local Government Areas. There is Popular beleive that Igbos are the lost tribe of Isreal and are the richest ethnic gruop in Africa.

“Igbo” is the language of the Igbos. However, the Igbos have several dialects and many Igbos are also fluent in English and Nigerian Pidgin.

What Are the Igbos Known For?

1. Entrepreneurship & Trade

Igbos are often associated with commerce, business acumen, and a strong work ethic.
Markets like Onitsha Main Market (one of the largest in West Africa) are hubs of Igbo enterprise.
The Igbo Apprenticeship System ("Igba Boi") is a unique model where young people are mentored by successful business owners—often cited as a world-classmodel of informal business education. A Nigerian Model for Stakeholder Capitalism

2. Education & Innovation

Igbos place a high premium on education as a path to progress.
Many prominent Nigerian academics, scientists, and professionals are of Igbo descent.

3. Cultural Richness

Rich in festivals, music, dance, art, and traditional beliefs.
Celebrations like the New Yam Festival (Iri Ji) and masquerade dances (e.g.,Mmanwu) are central to Igbo cultural identity.

4. Religion

Traditionally practiced ancestor worship and revered deities like Ala (earth goddess).
Today, most Igbos are Christians, especially Catholic and Anglican, although traditional beliefs still persist in some areas.

5. History of Resistance & Independence

Played a central role in Nigerian history, especially in the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), when the Igbo-led region attempted to secede as the Republic of Biafra.
Known for their resilience and efforts to rebuild after the war despite economic and political setbacks.

6. Diaspora Influence

Igbos have a strong presence globally, excelling in areas like medicine, law, business, tech, and academia.
Igbo communities abroad maintain cultural practices and regularly return home for festivals and community development.