African Currents

Igbo Community in Russia: Catalyst for Strengthening Russia-Nigeria Cooperation

Far from their ancestral homeland in southeastern Nigeria, the Igbo diaspora in Russia is proving to be a multipurpose bridge between their host nation and their country. The annual Igbo Festival, a vibrant celebration of tradition and heritage, offers a unique platform for developing business cooperation and deepening intercultural dialogue.
Sputnik
Facilitating cultural exchange programs between Nigeria and Russia that include language education, and setting up centers of excellence in both nations, would significantly enhance bilateral relations and language proficiency, while opening doors for increased opportunities in trade, investment, and other key economic sectors. This will foster a future of mutual growth and development, says Nze Ikay Umenne, General Secretary of the Igbo Community in Russia, in a discussion with Sputnik Africa.

"Russia is a unique society. It is a multi-ethnic country. First, cultural exchange. There is a need to organize programs, whereby Ndigbo and Russia will be having this cultural exchange [...]. I saw that some Russians are beginning to learn Swahili. Let me use this opportunity to call on the government to introduce Igbo language in institutional curriculum as a language. It is very important [...]. Now, the third point I want to raise is business and economic development initiatives. This is very vital between Russia and the Igbo. And that is where I said that with time we are going to be doing Igbo Russian business forum, whereby we'll be able to bring in some high-quality and very highly placed Igbo businessmen and governments to come to Russia," Umenne stresses.

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