Ohanaeze Ndigbo Celebrates Igbo Day in Umuahia, Urges Unity for Greater Development
Oru Leonard
The 2026 Igbo Day celebration organised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has ended in Umuahia, Abia State, with Igbo leaders and stakeholders renewing calls for unity, cultural preservation and collective action for the development of Ala Igbo.
According to Dr. Ezechi Chukwu,
Global Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the grand finale, held on September 29, brought together prominent traditional, political, religious and professional leaders who gathered to celebrate Igbo identity, heritage and the collective aspirations of Ndigbo.
The event was chaired by former Chief of Army Staff, retired General Ike Nwachukwu, CFR, who urged Ndigbo, particularly the younger generation, to embrace their cultural heritage while promoting enterprise, excellence and development.
Declaring the event open, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, who served as host governor, called on Ndigbo to place collective interests above individual differences, stressing that greater cooperation remained essential to the advancement of Ala Igbo.
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and Chief Host of the event, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, said the organisation remained committed to promoting unity among Ndigbo in Nigeria and across the diaspora.
Speaking on the theme, “Njiko Ka” (Togetherness is Best), Mbata said the message was a call for collective action towards a common future.
He noted that the strength of Ndigbo depended largely on their ability to work together despite differences in political affiliation, opinions, geographical location and generation.
According to him, a renewed spirit of brotherhood, mutual respect and collective responsibility would help secure a better future for the Igbo people.
Mbata further called for the mobilisation of the talents, resources and institutions of Ndigbo towards common developmental objectives.
A major highlight of the celebration was the laying of wreaths at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph in Umuahia in honour 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 participants to pay tribute to the departed and reaffirm the values of service, courage, sacrifice and commitment.
The programme also featured an interdenominational church service.
The 2026 Igbo Day activities had commenced on September 28 with a public lecture delivered by Prof. Kingsley Moghalu.
Among the dignitaries who attended the celebration were Prince Okey Nwadinobi; former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, 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 Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prince Okey Nwadinobi, delivered the closing remarks.
