Our vision
A connected, thriving Imo diaspora in China — where every member feels they belong, our heritage is celebrated with pride, and no one has to face life abroad alone.
Our Story
From the Eastern Heartland to the Middle Kingdom.
We are sons and daughters of Imo State, building lives thousands of miles from home. What began as a few familiar faces sharing a meal in Guangzhou has become a family that spans China — carrying our heritage, our warmth and our way of looking after one another wherever we land.
One people, many cities — held together by where we come from.
Since 2014What guides us
A clear vision, lived out in everyday acts of support.
Our mission
To unite, welcome and support Imo people across China — through cultural gatherings, practical welfare, mentorship and a network that opens doors in business, study and daily life.
The values we hold
- Ofu obi — one heart
- Heritage with pride
- Mutual support
- Integrity & service
Where we came from
A community built one welcome at a time.
We never set out to build an organisation. We set out to help the next person who arrived feel a little less far from home. The milestones below trace how that simple instinct grew into the community we are today.
2014
A handful of us in Guangzhou
A small circle of traders and students started meeting over shared meals, swapping advice on paperwork, housing and where to find a taste of home.
2016
Our first New Yam Festival abroad
Iri Ji brought families together for the first time at scale — proof that heritage could travel with us and that we were stronger gathered than apart.
2019
The welfare fund is born
After standing by members through illness and loss, we formalised a fund so no one would ever face a crisis far from home on their own.
2021
Shanghai and Beijing chapters open
Word spread. New chapters meant members in more cities could find one another quickly, with familiar faces ready to help them settle.
2023
A constitution and an elected executive
We adopted a written constitution and held our first open elections — turning goodwill into accountable, member-led leadership.
2025
Over 1,200 strong
Today we span 18 cities, but the heart is unchanged: look out for our own, honour where we come from, and open doors for one another.
Servant leadership
The people who carry the mission.
Our executives serve on a volunteer basis, elected by members and answerable to them. They lead by showing up — for the festival, the hospital visit, and everything in between.
ExecutiveChukwuemeka Okorie
President
ExecutiveAdaeze Nwosu
Vice President
Ifeanyi Eze
Secretary General
Ngozi Okafor
Treasurer
Emeka Obi
Provost
Chinwe Anyanwu
Welfare Coordinator
Uchenna Duru
Public Relations Officer
Amarachi Iheanacho
Financial Secretary
Beyond the executive
The wider team that makes it all happen.
Behind every gathering and every quiet act of welfare is a committee of volunteers giving their time. These are the teams that turn good intentions into real support.
Active initiative
Events & Culture
Plans the New Yam Festival, professional mixers and cultural nights that keep our traditions alive.
Active initiative
Welfare & Support
First responders for members facing illness, bereavement or hardship — practical help and a steady hand.
Membership & Onboarding
Welcomes new arrivals, pairs them with a familiar face, and keeps our city directory current.
Active initiative
Media & Communications
Tells our story across WeChat, photography and the website so every member stays in the loop.
Finance & Audit
Stewards dues and the welfare fund with transparent, audited books the membership can trust.
Active initiative
Youth & Students
Mentorship, scholarships and study support for the younger members finding their feet in China.
You belong here. Come and find your people.
Whether you have been in China for years or you landed last week, there is a seat for you at our table. Join the community, or come along to the next gathering and say hello.