Igbo Union in Liverpool was formed in 1935 as a self-help group by Igbo Seamen, who were domiciled in Liverpool. Membership at first consisted mainly of ex-merchant seafarers who worked in British ships that traded between W. Africa and the rest of the World. The formation of Igbo Union of Liverpool was as a result of controversy surrounding the treatment and the radicalised discrimination and disadvantage suffered by one Mr OKPARNTA, Igbo fireman of a named British ship boun