Welcome Welcome to the KWENU newsletter – bringing you the best in Igbo related news, culture and activities.

Have you ever wondered where all the other young, talented, ambitious young Igbo people like you are hiding? Well look no further, they are all right here! ICSN is about young Igbo and non- Igbo people learning about Igbo culture and community. We socialise, build relationships and support one another in every aspect of life. At ICSN you enter as an individual and become part of a family.

• Welcome
• Highlights Over The Last Six Months
• Race For Life
• Abiriba -New Yam Festival Celebration
• New Igbo School In London
• Great Igbos: Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe
• A Discussion on Traditional Igbo Marriage
• What’s Cooking? Jollof Rice Recipe
• Events, Arts And Entertainment
• Annoucements in Brief

We focus on the things that matter to you on a cultural, professional and personal level all in a fun and relaxed environment.

The network has grown considerably since its humble beginnings back in August 1998.What started out as a small group of five people is now well over two thousand members on our database! Plus nearly 900 hundred members on Facebook! Want to know more? Then come and check us out.

This year 2009 marks ICSN’s eleventh year of existence, and even after all this time, the excitement and potential of ICSN is still thriving. ICSN is still somewhere you can belong, and look forward to telling your family about in years to come.

We hope you can join us when we celebrate our annual Iriji – (New Yam festival) next month and our annual Christmas party!

In the meantime, in everything you do, believe that all things are possible and God will direct your steps.

ICSN Newsletter Editor,
Edel Meremikwu

Highlights - Last Six Months at a Glance

This year 2009, we have had numerous social outings and events including; Bowling Day in May, the Sports and Fun Day which took place in Finsbury Park, not to mention the sizzling annual Summer BBQ party at Linford Christie Stadium in West London in August. The BBQ was one of the biggest events in the ICSN calendar; this particular BBQ had so more new faces than ever before. The numbers exceeded far beyond our expectations, with over two hundred people packed on the dance floor!

Also, I must say fellas didn’t you notice the fine, fine gals surrounding you. Chei, the swagger was on! The food was tasty, with two different types of jollof rice. Sister Clementina imela o! You done well! The BBQ chicken, ribs, burgers and sausages were all delicious thanks to Stadium managers Banky and Co who gave it that special marinate. Plus to top it off the atmosphere was electric, thanks to DJ Ify who is always on the music pulse playing the very best in Naija party jams!

If you missed it, then you missed out big time! Well, on that note check out the ICSN barbeque video on www.youtube.com. Next year’s BBQ will no doubt be bigger and better. See you there!

ICSN Out and About - Race for Life

On 19th July 2009 three of our very own ICSN executive ladies ran the ‘Race for Life’ 5K Run in London’s Hyde Park. In preparation for the race the girls trained for hours and they sought sponsorship from members to help raise money for Cancer Research UK. The original line up was all of the ICSN ladies, but sadly due to unforeseen circumstances, some members had to pull ...

Abiriba Abia State -New Yam Festival Celebration

In Igboland, there are so many festivals each depicting a particular event within the year. But out of all these festivals, the most profound and widely celebrated is the New Yam Festival. This festival has cultural significance for every community in Igboland and is celebrated annually. The dates when it is celebrated may vary, but it usually falls between August and September of every year to mark the event of the...

New Igbo School In London

A training school that aims to teach Britons of Nigerian Igbo background about their African history, language and culture, is now open in London. A range of teachers give classes in topics as diverse as Igbo history to spoken and written language.

Specially appointed teachers take food preparation classes on how to cook popular Nigerian dishes like jollof rice and egusi soup.

Great Igbos: Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904-1994) The First Nigerian President

The late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe or ‘Zik’ was Nigeria’s first president. Before that he was a major player in the Nigerian independence movement and a founder of Nigeria’s first purpose-built university, the University of Nigeria at Nsukka. Journalist, author, publisher and politician, Zik’s achievements were many throughout a long and active life.

A discussion of the different types of Igbo marriage

The Igbo nation is one of the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria. They are found in the East and West of the Niger River. The customary marriage system (igba nkwu, Ibu nmanya, ihe nrisa as in Etiti and Mbano in Imo State) is part of Igbo culture. It has been in practice from generation to generation.

What’s Cooking? Jollof Rice Recipe

This is a tasty rice dish, that is delicious and easy to prepare. The rice can be served with hot and spicy suya meat, chicken, fish or vegetables or they can be stirred in at the end. It is also sometimes served with fried plantain, homemade coleslaw and salad..

Events, Arts and Entertainment

Eyes from South to West is a photography and sound documentary exploring the experiences of Nigerians who have migrated to the United Kingdom. Through photography and audio interviews, Esiebo investigates the contradictions of the migratory experience and exposes the tensions between the dreams and realities of starting a new life.

Annoucements in Brief

We are looking for members to play more of an active role in the development of ICSN. Why not do something for ICSN by becoming a contributor? Send in your articles online to www.icsn.co.uk.

If you have not seen someone for a long time, and you are concerned about their welfare contact Ema Usen Welfare Co-ordinator and she will get in touch with them for you.

If you know of any business, entrepreneurial, educational or social events for people to attend, inform us and let us promote it across facebook, the website and email newsletter.