All Igbo indigenes in Lagos are set once again to celebrate their rich cultural heritage and the resilience of great people. Igbo day is a momentous occasion that reminds Igbos of their shared history, values, culture and tradition. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Unity in Diversity, Celebrating Igbo Traditions and Heritage Excellence.”
Speaking to The Qoheleth about the event, the Chairman, Organizing Committee, Apostle Patrick Nwanze (Agu Anioma) said that the Igbo Heritage Celebration Day is an opportunity for all Igbo sons and daughters in Lagos, including those in the diaspora, to come together to celebrate their rich cultural heritage.
“As we do this, we celebrate our achievements, and contributions to the society through unwavering spirit. I therefore call on members of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Lagos, Igbo speaking community and all associations, groups and unions to come together to reaffirm our total commitment to our cultural values and traditions. Through this, we promote unity and solidarity among us, eschew rancour and dichotomy while encouraging innovation, enterprise and community development,” he said.
In preparation for this, various committees made up of Chairmen of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Lagos, renowned professionals, technocrats and leaders of various Igbo groups, associations, state and town unions have been set up for this world class event.
The event anchored by Ohaneze Ndigbo, Lagos is an opportunity to embrace Igbo heritage and for the people to work together to build a brighter future that the future generations should be pride of.
Speaking on the event, the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Lagos, High Chief Sunday Ossai said that it is an event that will promote Igbo cultural identity and reinforce the sense of belonging and pride in Igbo cultural roots and heritage. “It is aimed at strengthening social ties and also promote collective responsibility among Igbo people in Lagos. It will be an opportunity for us to present all levels of entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation. It hopes to showcase and promote Igbo culture, traditions, language and history.”
The event has been endorsed by the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata when he was briefed during a recent retreat held by Ohaneze Ndigbo in Enugu. It is also said that the traditional rulers of Igbo communities in Lagos and its environ are also solidly behind the event. The programme has also been endorsed by various Igbo State associations and communities in Lagos and in Diaspora.
Lending his voice to many distinguished Igbo leaders, the past Chairman of Igbo Day celebration, Prince Ubochi U. Ubochi stated that Igbo culture and tradition needs to be sustained and that holding such event annually is one of the best ways to sustain it. He also confirmed that the choice of Apostle Patrick Nwanze as the Chairman of the organizing committee is a round peg in a round hole.
Furthermore, a major stakeholder in Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Leonard Okafor (Oba Ojoto) assured the organizing Chairman, Apostle Nwanze of his support towards the success of the upcoming Igbo Day, calling on all other stakeholders to lend their weight towards the implementation of the programme.
The highlights of this year’s celebration scheduled to hold in October 2025 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos include, cultural display; showcasing of traditional cuisine, attire, artifacts, and values. There will be music and dance and display of host community traditional masquerade and cultural music, demonstrating friendship and harmonious coexistence.
There will also be awards of recognition for outstanding contributions and achievements of distinguished Igbos.
Apostle Nwanze therefore called on all Igbo organizations to send nominees to the planning sub-committees to assist in the implementation. “To make this event successful, we have various ways we can contribute towards its success. We are encouraged to support the organizing committee in the areas of fundraising, administration, mobilization of our people as well as other roles where we have competence. All Ohaneze Ndigbo local government chairmen should come en masse to assist in mobilization the people from their constituencies. This is an opportunity to show to the world how united we are,” he stated.
The weeklong event is segmented into three major activities; a stakeholders’ conference where issues relating to the peace and development of Ohaneze in Lagos would be discussed by various stakeholders. The second activity will be road show in Lagos to promote the upcoming event and the third activity will be the grand finale where various cultural activities would be showcased. At last, there would be interdenominational thanksgiving service to be attended by members.
Igbo Heritage Celebration Day is an event that promotes Igbo cultural identity and reinforce the sense of belonging and pride in Igbo cultural roots and heritage. It is aimed at strengthening social ties and also promote collective responsibility among Igbo people in Lagos. It will be an opportunity for to present all levels of entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation. It hopes to showcase and promote Igbo culture, traditions, language and history.
The event is expected to bring together Igbos from different backgrounds especially from the six states that made up the tribe in the country, who live in Lagos. It is an opportunity to educate and create awareness among Igbos and others about the cultural heritage, history and contributions of Igbo community with a sense of pride.
