Initiatives

Umu Old Bende (UOB) was developed in November 2022 in Houston, Texas by a subset of young, passionate Igbo Americans whose parents were founding members of the longstanding, respected, and prestigious Old Bende Cultural Association of Houston, (OBCA). UOB is the answer for the modern generation of Igbos from Old Bende that want to continue fostering the region’s values, heritage, and traditions while supporting the region and its members in the diaspora.

Old Bende is a Local Government Area primarily in Abia State, Nigeria with headquarters located in Bende Community. Formerly an administrative and geopolitical area, it stretches from Arochukwu to Umuahia. It is composed of thirteen (13) communities, namely: Alayi, Bende, Ezukwu, Igbere, Item, Itumbuzo, Nkpa, Ntalakwu, Ozuitem, Ugwueke, Umu-imenyi, Umuhu-Ezechi, and Uzuakoli. Abia State was formed from parts of Imo State in 1991. The name “Abia” is an abbreviation of four of the state’s densely populated regions Aba, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Afikpo of which Afikpo later was carved out to form the present day Ebonyi State.

A highly celebrated group, Old Bende people are one of the most highly respected groups around the world and in present day Nigeria known for their remarkable intellect, creativity, leadership, welcoming nature, and entrepreneurial skills. This organization endeavors to unite people with the same or similar cultural heritage, belief system, and dialects in order to promote our common goal which is unity, love, and progress and with pride in our God given identity as a people and promote our rich cultural and ancestral heritage.

UOB’s mission is to contribute to the community’s activities in the USA and promote a better understanding of issues relating to the Igbo Old Bende culture through 4 main thrusts: Professional & Social Networking, Cultural Education & Preservation, Civic Service, and Health. Our vision is to create an atmosphere for Bende Igbos and other interested people to share and discover our traditions in order to pass along to future generations.

Cha cha cha BENDE NDIOMA KWENU!
Bende kwenu, Abia kwezuonu!

Umu Old Bende is a non-profit, non-political, and non-religious 501(c)(3) organization.