With a spark of purpose, at the office of Belteco Engineering Limited, in Yaba-Lagos, a group of Igbanke young men synchronised the dreams of using their respective positions in the Nigeria society for the benefit of the Igbanke community. They had a dream to act collectively and stand as a pillar for development.
The Committe of Igbanke Professionals (CIP) was formed in that circumstance.
Initial meetings started at Belteco office in Yaba before it was moved to Laparais Garden in Maryland, Lagos.
The founding President was the late Edobor Agbonifo. Afterwards, the association has had Hon. Mike Nmorka, Mr Peter Ngeken and Mr Emmanuel Akwe and Barr. Clement Ugbekile and Engr. Arthur Usiagwu as Presidents at different times till the Association became formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on September 2nd 2010.
The current President of the Association is Engr. Peter Ibogbe
At the registration with CAC, the association changed its name from Committee of Igbanke Professionals(CIP) to the Association of Igbanke Professionals (AIP) with the following trustees: Mr. Jacob Erhabor, Hon. Mike Nmoka, Mr. Emmanuel Akwe, Engr. Benson Usiagwu, Mr. Peter Ngbeken, Pastor Nash Emefiele, Bar. Cement Ugbekile and Engr. Arthur Usiagwu.
The AIP has over the years, grown in number, forming a formidable front to champion the development of Igbanke community. For its growing membership, the Association has robust welfare schemes for members, including various support programs as well as the AIP Group Life Insurance for members.
The motto of the AIP is Pillar for Development. The Association has lived this motto over the years through pivotal roles in Igbanke development.
- Reconciliation of Aggrieved Factions: The AIP convened reconciliatory meetings in 1998/1999 where warring factions of the Igbanke General Union (IGU), Lagos branch were brought together for unity of purpose.
- Igbanke National Conference: The association convened this conference in the year 2000 where Igbanke indigenes of different strata of the society were assembled to discuss “the Political Evolution of Igbanke Kingdom and its people”.
- Rejuvenation of IGU Lagos: With a firm belief that the Igbanke General Union is the most acceptable front to approach government on behalf of Igbanke community, AIP has championed the restructuring of IGU Lagos. Till date, AIP plays major roles in the organisation of monthly meetings of IGU in Lagos.
- Dialogue and with government functionaries: On different occasions, AIP has engaged government at different levels in encounters that attract development to the community.
- Direct Projects: The Association has executed some meaningful projects in the Igbanke community including
- Provision and installation of mosquito nets in Igbanke General Hospital in 2001.
- Furnishing of the Igbanke Hospital and Service of the Doctor’s residence with water supply in 2010.
- Provision of Street Signage for major roads/streets in Igbanke.
- The Association has always projected the family front for its members through end-of year parties for members and families; Couples social outings, and so on.
In unison, members of the Association of Igbanke Professionals will continue to live their motto: Pillar for Development.
