Bioko Island in Equatorial Guinea is home to a unique diaspora—the Igbo people.

Bioko Island in Equatorial Guinea is home to a unique diaspora—the Igbo people.

Bioko Island in Equatorial Guinea is home to a unique diaspora—the Igbo people. Many of the Igbo residents of Bioko trace their ancestry to Arochukwu, in present-day Abia State, Nigeria.

Their migration dates back to the era of the transatlantic slave trade, with subsequent waves during the 19th and early 20th centuries as laborers moved to the island.

Over the years, the Igbo descendants on Bioko have managed to retain key elements of their cultural identity. Notably, many still speak the Igbo language, a remarkable feat considering the dominant use of Spanish and other local languages in Equatorial Guinea. This language preservation reflects a deep commitment to maintaining ties to their ancestral roots.

Though far from their homeland, the Igbo community in Bioko continues to honor its traditions and heritage, standing as a living bridge between the past and the present.

We call them Ndi Panya 😂❤️😎