Welcome to Anambra State Union United Kingdom (ASU UK)
ASU UK aims to foster unity among the people of Anambra State origin that are resident in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Our secondary objective is to project the culture and image of Anambra State in particular and the lgbo nation in general. Our motto is “Igwe bu ike” which loosely interpreted means “there’s strength in unity”.
The old Anambra State was carved from the East Central State in 1976 by the military administration of Murtala Mohammed; with capital at Enugu. In August 1991, another Military Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida created Enugu State from Anambra State with Enugu as capital and made Awka the capital of the new Anambra State. The citizens of the Igbo speaking state are popularly known as Ndi Anambra or Anambrarians.
Anambra state is strongly linked to the history of the entire Igboland. Ndi Anambra are seen as the source of Igbo Civilization. Archaeological findings unearthed in various locations in the state like Igbo Ukwu, Aguleri, Awka, Ezira and Nri date our history back to 4500 BC. The state derives its name from Ọmambala River. For convenience, Ọmambala was corrupted and changed to Anambra by the colonialists. The River Anambra is a tributary of the majestic River Niger. Ọmambala was also previously used to refer to the indigenous people of present day Anambra state and parts of the surrounding areas like Kogi, Enugu and Ebonyi states.
Anambra’s 2022 estimated population by Nigeria’s National Population Commission was 5.95m. The state is divided into 21 local government areas: Aguata, Awka North, Awka South, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Ayamelum, Dunukofia, Ekwusigo, Idemili North, Idemili South, Ihiala, Njikoka, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Orumba North, Orumba South and Oyi. For more on Anambra state, click here to visit the Anambra State Government website.
History of Anambra State Union United Kingdom (ASU UK).
The Union was formed on Sunday 4th of July 1982 at the Nigeria Welfare Centre, 20/22 Inverness Terrace, London W2, an occasion that was graced by Mr S D K Mbonu, a personal representative of the Governor of Anambra State, his Excellency Chief Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo. Further meetings and discussions were had in relation to promoting educational & socio cultural activities.
Subsequently, the first Annual Dinner & Dance was held to promote socio-cultural and educational values of Anambra State. The event was also used to raise funds to further the aims and objectives of the Union.
In pursuance of our Objectives, the Union registered with the Nigeria National Union of the United Kingdom, the parent body of the state & branch unions in the UK, which demonstrated great support and encouragement. With the help and support of the Nigeria High Commission we were able to hold a symposium on “Industrialisation and the Making of Morden Nigeria.
Meetings
The Union holds its Ordinary General Meeting once every other month on the first Sunday of the relevant month at a specified venue and time. Members are sent notice of meeting in line with our constitution using a combination of email, individual text message or group WhatsApp message.
We welcome visitors who are free to observe proceedings at our meetings. They will also be given opportunity to introduce themselves. To be invited to our meetings please click here to register and submit our data form online.
The Objectives
- To foster the spirit of unity among all people of Anambra State origin living in the United Kingdom.
- To project the culture and image of Anambra State and the lgbo nation in the UK.
- To promote, protect and defend the common interests, safety and welfare of the Union’s members and their families.
- To promote the social, cultural, educational and economic development of Anambra State in particular and Igboland in general.
- To encourage peaceful coexistence and cooperation between ASU UK and other organisations working for the unity of ndi lgbo.
- Though our members are encouraged to be affiliated to or be in alliance with any political party, the Union is non partisan.
- To pursue any other aims and objectives which will be of benefit to ndi Anambra and ndi Igbo.
Membership
Membership of the Union is open to people of Anambra State origin resident in the UK. For more on how to join, click here.