The Ties that Bind in Nigeria

(center) His Royal Highness Igwe Sylvanus

(right) Frank Martin, Vice President, Power Development and Business Development

 

Through our agreement to provide power in Nigeria and our charitable activities in the community, we’ve expanded our horizons in 2016. We’ve learned more about Nigerian culture and made some excellent friends!

Throughout September, Milhouse Engineering & Construction and Milhouse Charities collected 88 pairs of new and gently used soccer shoes and shipped them to our Nigeria headquarters in Enugu, Nigeria. We included orange and blue Milhouse jerseys and shorts to help facilitate a soccer “friendly.” This noncompetitive game was played by 2 of the 4 local teams that represent the Nru area of Nsukka.

To uphold tradition, the ruler of the Nsukka, Nru community opened with an organizational meeting.  Nigeria still recognizes local, elected “kings,” or “igwes” (in Igbo language). The igwes organize local communities, preserve traditional social values and norms, carry community views and contributions to the state government level, and preside over community disputes regarding land ownership and even household disputes.

His Royal Highness Igwe Sylvanus made us aware that giveaways such as these are handled in a family-like manner. All items belong to the entire community. Soccer shoes and jerseys remain the property of the group. This assures that as children grow older, clothes and shoes are handed down to the next child in need.

On Saturday afternoon, November 5, more than 200 youth, as well as another 100 community leaders, soccer players and other adults enjoyed the day. Based on the children’s level of excitement, we realized that events like this are rare. The children were overwhelmed with joy as the Milhouse team and community leadership unpacked the shoes, jerseys, and especially bottles of cold water to take the edge off the 90-degree afternoon. The children and adults generally enjoy taking photos and were thrilled to pose all afternoon.

The 2 local soccer teams took to the dirt field in their new Milhouse gear. Each player treated the game very seriously.  Many of the young adults displayed skillful dribbling and shooting prowess, as the crowd looked on with admiration.

Igwe Sylvanus closed the event with a warm thank you to the Milhouse team. He looks forward to thanking our president and CEO upon Wilbur Milhouse’s next visit.