THE IGBOS OF EQUATORIAL GUINEA

🧭 THE IGBOS OF EQUATORIAL GUINEA 🇬🇶🇳🇬

📜 Untold African Histories | AfriVerse Diaries

Did you know that over 33,000 Igbos live in Equatorial Guinea today?
Yes, not Nigeria — Equatorial Guinea, the only Spanish-speaking country in Africa!

Nestled on Bioko Island, these Igbos are the third-largest ethnic group in the country after the Fang and Bubi people. They speak Igbo, Pidgin English, Fang, Bubi, and even Spanish fluently. 🇪🇸🗣️

What’s more fascinating? Igbo is officially recognized as one of the national languages! And yes, they still speak it — though it has evolved a bit from what we speak in Nigeria. For instance, instead of “bia ebe a,” they say “bia ikaa” (meaning come here). 🗣️✨

🔁 How did they get there?
In the 19th century, during the Spanish colonial era, many Igbos from Arochukwu and nearby areas were taken as laborers to work on plantations. Over time, they settled there, and till today, they proudly call Equatorial Guinea “Panya” — a local twist on España (Spain). 🇳🇬➡️🇬🇶

🕊️ Their faith? A form of marginal Christianity, blending Christian roots with local spiritual identity.

From forced migration to cultural resilience, the Igbos of Equatorial Guinea remain a living archive of Afro-Hispanic history and identity.

🧠 Now you know — Africa’s stories go beyond borders.
📌 Follow @AfriVerseDiaries for more untold histories and hidden gems of the continent.

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