This post has already been read 228 times!

The 2026 Igbo Day commemoration by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide reached its grand finale in Umuahia, Abia State, on Tuesday, September 29, with prominent Igbo leaders and stakeholders gathering to honour Igbo identity, heritage and collective aspirations.

The occasion was chaired by Rtd. General Ike Nwachukwu, CFR, who called on Ndigbo, particularly the younger generation, to embrace their cultural heritage, enterprise and excellence while contributing to the development of the Igbo nation.

Declaring the commemoration open, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, who was the host governor urged Ndigbo to place collective interest above individual differences, stressing the importance of unity and cooperation in advancing the development of Ala Igbo.

In his address, the Chief Host and President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening unity among Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora. He said the theme, “Njiko Ka” (Togetherness is Best), underscored the importance of collective action towards a shared future.

Mbata further stressed that the strength of Ndigbo lies in their ability to come together despite differences in opinion, political affiliation, location or generation. He called for a renewed spirit of brotherhood, mutual respect and collective responsibility, noting that the future of the Igbo people would be better secured when their talents, resources and institutions were harnessed towards common goals.

The Global Publicity Secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, in a statement noted that a major highlight of the 29 September commemoration was the laying of wreaths at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph in Umuahia in honour and remembrance of Igbo heroes and heroines who made significant sacrifices in the history and development of the Igbo people.

The solemn ceremony provided an opportunity for the leaders and participants to pay tribute to the departed and reaffirm the values of service, courage, sacrifice and commitment to the Igbo cause.

Among the distinguished personalities in attendance were Prince Okey Nwadinobi, H.E. Emeka Sibeudu, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Prof. Mrs. Uche Azikiwe; Chief Mike Okiro; Archbishop Sunday Onuoha; Princess Gloria Akobundu, Ph.D, Iyom Josephine Anenih, Archbishop Chibuzor Raphael Opoko; Prof. Uchefula Chukwumaeze SAN, Rt. Hon. Ike C. Ibe, Prof. Ossy Nwebo, Chief Alexander Chika Okafor (Chikason), Rev. Divine Eches, Ph.D, Bishop Athan Azubuike and former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, among other leaders and stakeholders.

The September 29 programme also featured an interdenominational church service, while the 2026 Igbo Day commemoration had commenced the previous day, September 28, with a public lecture delivered by Prof. Kingsley Moghalu. The Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Prince Okey Nwadinobi gave the Closing Remarks.