One of the distinguished Igbo sons and a professor of political economy, Prof Pat Okedinachi Utomi has laid his weight behind the forth coming Igbo Heritage Day Celebration coming up on October 18, 2025. He endorsed the event during a courtesy visit to him in his Victoria Island office by the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Igbo Day, Apostle Patrick Nwanze (Agu Anioma) and the Secretary, Chief Emma Anyagwa.
Apostle Nwanze informed Prof Utomi that this year’s Igbo Heritage Day, organized by Ohaneze NdIgbo, Lagos Chapter with the theme; “Unity in Diversity, Celebrating Igbo Traditions and Heritage Excellence.” is an opportunity for all Igbo sons and daughters in Lagos, including those in the diaspora, to come together and celebrate their rich cultural heritage.
According to him, “Through this, we promote unity and solidarity among us, eschew rancour and dichotomy while encouraging innovation, enterprise and community development. The members of Ohaneze NdIgbo in Lagos, all Igbo groups, unions and associations will come together to reaffirm our total commitment to our cultural values and traditions. We will use the opportunity to celebrate our achievements, and contributions to the society through unwavering spirit.
The Igbo Heritage Day is segmented into two parts; the Economic Rapport Summit which will come up on the 12th of October and the main event scheduled for October 18, 2025 at the Police College, Ikeja Lagos.
The Igbo Day 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 NdIgbo to present all levels of entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation. It hopes to showcase and promote Igbo culture, traditions, language and history.
The Economic Rapport Summit is set to discuss strategies for promoting economic development in Lagos through partnerships, leveraging the strengths and contributions of the Igbo community. It is also a platform to exchange ideas and best practices between Igbos, their host community and other stakeholders thereby encouraging collaboration and peaceful coexistence especially in navigating the complex web of economic dynamics.
It is also an opportunity to identify Igbo sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in their various endeavours and through these have promoted the cause of Igbos in the country and honour them at the event.
Apostle Nwanze, (Agu Anioma) also informed the erudite scholar that Ohaneze NdIgbo in Lagos also unilaterally gave the responsibility of organizing this year’s edition to an Anioma man thereby recognizing the role it has been playing towards the unity and development of Igboland. He therefore called on Prof Utomi to support him in ensuring that the event is successful.
Reacting to this, Prof Pat Utomi thanked Ohaneze NdIgbo in Lagos for initiating the celebration of Igbo culture and heritage. He also thanked the organizing committee for soliciting his support for the event. He appreciated all notable Igbos in the country who have distinguished themselves in various areas of life despite the prevailing challenges in the country. He used the opportunity to narrate his contributions towards the establishment of Ohaneze NdIgbo at the national level as well as his inputs towards its subsequent growth.
The former Presidential candidate called on all Igbos in the country and in diaspora to support the organizers of the event to ensure its full success. He accepted to be the guest speaker at the event and also to lend all the necessary support towards the full implementation of the event.
The highlights of this year’s celebration include;
– Display of traditional cuisine, attire, artifacts, and values.
– Recognition of outstanding contributions and achievements of Igbos.
– Display of traditional masquerade, cultural music and dances from Igbo States and the host community.
– Native sports, wrestling and other displays by physically challenged people.
