In the Beginning: From Ibusa Union to Ibusa Community Development Union

- By Emeka Esogbue

As we have now seen, by 1951, the Ibusa Union, now Ibusa Community Development Union (ICDU) under J. C. K. Odia as President-General, was an employer of labour and in terms of remuneration, it was by far, a more well-paying job than the large Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) of the time. For instance, while young Nosike Ikpo (Obi Senator Nosike Ikpo), the newly employed "Under Secretary" by the Town Union, as reported, was paid £2 (two pounds) by Nigerian Railway Corporation, but he received £6 from Ibusa Union.

Indeed, Ibusa Union paid higher than Post and Telecommunication (P & T), and the Department of Marine, of the category, among others. The officers of the Town Union thrived on enhanced salaries.

Ibusa members of this Town Union paid their levies promptly as proud members and patriotism were very high. Love existed among them and every Ibusa indigene considered themselves 'brothers' and 'sisters' in foreign lands. It was taboo for an Ibusa indigene to arrest another Ibusa indigene in the glorious years and fences of houses and other structures were never to be traditionally permitted in the community just as lands were held in common and was never expectedly sold to foreigners.

The Ibusa community was a meeting point of Ibusa Union members but the headquarters of the Development Union rotated within the Nigerian major cities, and according to the particular city President-General was based.

Patriotism remained until the Atakpo Bridge calamity occurred and what followed emotionally the Ibusa ruling troubled the communal love and oneness, once enjoyed by the people. Confidence in the affairs of the community became erosive and a near end came the people's way.

Coming soon:

A Brief History of Ibusa Community Development Union (ICDU).

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