The Role of Igbo Language in Sustaining Social Cohesion Among Igbo Youth Associations in Maiduguri, Borno State

This study examines the role of the Igbo language in sustaining social cohesion among Igbo youth associations in Maiduguri, Borno State, North East Nigeria. Maiduguri, as the site of prolonged insurgency-related displacement and inter-ethnic tension, presents a distinctive context in which ethnic minority community organisations have served as critical social support networks. Igbo youth associations in this environment perform dual functions as solidarity networks and language maintenance spaces. The research adopts a qualitative case study design, conducting focused group discussions with members from three Igbo youth associations and individual interviews with ten association leaders. Observations of five monthly association meetings are also incorporated. Findings indicate that Igbo language use in association meetings and cultural events functions as a primary identity marker that reinforces collective belonging and distinguishes association space from the broader Hausa-Kanuri linguistic environment. Members attribute feelings of safety, pride, and mutual trust partly to shared language use within association settings. Younger members under twenty-five express competence limitations in formal Igbo but participate actively in code-mixed discussions. The study recommends that Igbo community associations formalise language socialisation activities as part of youth programming. Keywords: Igbo youth associations, social cohesion, Maiduguri, language identity, diaspora.