The Ozo running club, nestled in London's picturesque Hyde Park, is thriving every Saturday morning, where a group of enthusiastic runners, primarily Nigerians of Igbo descent, converge to celebrate their cultural identity through the joy of running. Co-founders Chibueze Odoemene, Emeka Atumonyogo, and Chigo Ogbonna established the club to forge a space for young Igbo individuals to connect with their roots, bringing together over 300 members in a remarkably short span of time.
The atmosphere is electric as the runners, donning various athletic gear, interact while Afrobeats music sets a vibrant tone. Odoemene often leads a call-and-response chant, "Igbo kwenu!" – a traditional greeting that fosters a sense of unity and pride among participants. The weekly meets transcend mere exercise, showing evidence of a deep-seated desire for community and belonging bolstered by the increasing popularity of social running clubs worldwide, as highlighted by a 59% rise in club participation according to the Strava app.
For many, like Francesca Ngozi Ezennolim and Jennifer Iwuamadi, joining the club means finding a community of like-minded individuals. Despite being part of a larger Nigerian identity, the youth express a longing to connect specifically with their Igbo heritage. In contrast to their Yoruba counterparts, the Igbos face a narrative that often overlooks their cultural significance within the broader Nigerian context.
While the Ozo club warmly welcomes participants from various backgrounds, including non-Igbo communities, many in attendance feel a historical and personal urgency to celebrate and elevate Igbo culture. This sentiment echoes the lasting impacts of the Biafran war, which has left an imprint on how the Igbo community is perceived. The founders emphasize that the club's intent is not divisive but rather a celebration and an invitation for all to learn and participate.
The club’s activities extend beyond just running; members engage in monthly social events that foster further bonding, from karaoke nights to future gala events. As the Saturday session concludes and members exchange numbers and heartfelt farewells, a commitment to return next week emerges—a testament to the connections fostered through shared cultural experiences.
As they celebrate their identity on the track, the Ozo running club stands as a pillar of cultural pride and community engagement, forging a path for the Igbo story to thrive beyond borders.
The atmosphere is electric as the runners, donning various athletic gear, interact while Afrobeats music sets a vibrant tone. Odoemene often leads a call-and-response chant, "Igbo kwenu!" – a traditional greeting that fosters a sense of unity and pride among participants. The weekly meets transcend mere exercise, showing evidence of a deep-seated desire for community and belonging bolstered by the increasing popularity of social running clubs worldwide, as highlighted by a 59% rise in club participation according to the Strava app.
For many, like Francesca Ngozi Ezennolim and Jennifer Iwuamadi, joining the club means finding a community of like-minded individuals. Despite being part of a larger Nigerian identity, the youth express a longing to connect specifically with their Igbo heritage. In contrast to their Yoruba counterparts, the Igbos face a narrative that often overlooks their cultural significance within the broader Nigerian context.
While the Ozo club warmly welcomes participants from various backgrounds, including non-Igbo communities, many in attendance feel a historical and personal urgency to celebrate and elevate Igbo culture. This sentiment echoes the lasting impacts of the Biafran war, which has left an imprint on how the Igbo community is perceived. The founders emphasize that the club's intent is not divisive but rather a celebration and an invitation for all to learn and participate.
The club’s activities extend beyond just running; members engage in monthly social events that foster further bonding, from karaoke nights to future gala events. As the Saturday session concludes and members exchange numbers and heartfelt farewells, a commitment to return next week emerges—a testament to the connections fostered through shared cultural experiences.
As they celebrate their identity on the track, the Ozo running club stands as a pillar of cultural pride and community engagement, forging a path for the Igbo story to thrive beyond borders.
