At London's Hyde Park, a crisp Saturday morning comes alive with the energy of the Ozo running club, a growing collective of Nigerians primarily of Igbo descent. Formed by Chibueze Odoemene, Emeka Atumonyogo, and Chigo Ogbonna, the club boasts over 300 members since its inception just three months ago. The idea was born from a desire to connect young Igbo people with their roots and each other.
While many members log their runs on the Strava app, the real value lies in community and cultural identity. As mixed groups form based on varying pace levels, the air is filled with the sounds of Afrobeats and the resonant chants of "Igbo kwenu!" echoing through the park, reinforcing a sense of belonging.
Odoemene highlights the club's role in enabling members to form new friendships, transcending mere physical activity. "The most important part for us is to build a fun community," he says, noting how the club fosters connections that may even lead to romantic possibilities, although romance isn't a primary goal for participants like Francesca Ngozi Ezennolim, who seeks the camaraderie of fellow Igbos.
Despite the challenges faced by the Igbo community, including the fading language predicted by UNESCO and their marginalization, the Ozo running club is a beacon of hope. The group welcomes people of all backgrounds, promoting cultural exchange while providing a safe haven for Igbo identity in the diaspora.
Throughout their running sessions, members engage not only in fitness but also in social activities, nurturing friendships over karaoke nights and dodgeball games. The founders’ efforts reflect a strong desire to amplify Igbo representation in a multicultural UK where Nigerian identity is often linked predominantly to Yoruba culture.
As the runs conclude, members gather once again, reaffirming their bonds through the same unifying chants that celebrated their heritage. With every step taken together, Ozo members are building meaningful relationships rooted in culture and community.
