2025 Igbo Day: Ohanaeze Set to Celebrate Igbo Unification, Resilience Sept 28

By Praise Chinecherem

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on Thursday said plans have been concluded for the 2025 Igbo Day celebration slated for September 28-29, 2025.

A statement from National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu said the celebration, to be held in Awka, Anambra State would offer people of Southeast opportunity to reflect on the spirit of unity, justice and peace they were known for.

“It will be a solemn and sacred occasion in the Igbo national calendar, for collective reflection, honoring the memory of the victims of the 1966 pogrom, innocent patriots whose sacrifice continues to inspire the spirit of unity, justice, and peace among Ndigbo.

“The theme for the year’s commemoration is “Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya” (Be your brother’s keeper), which underscores the essence of Igbo unity, remembrance, and resilience.

“The two-day event will begin on Sunday, September 28, with a thanksgiving Service to be held simultaneously across churches in Igbo land.

“By 4:00 pm the same day, the Igbo Day Lecture will take place at Hilton Leisure Hotel, Regina Road, Awka, featuring eminent scholars, cultural leaders, and stakeholders.

“The celebration proper will hold on Monday, September 29, at Ekwueme Square, Awka, and will include prayers, tributes, and cultural performances showcasing Igbo heritage.”

According to the statement, among dignitaries expected at the event include Senator Ned Nwoko, who will serve as Chairman of the Occasion; Senator Azuta Mbata, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, as Chief Host; and the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, as Host Governor.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide calls on all Igbo sons and daughters, friends of Ndigbo, and lovers of justice and unity to be part of this historic event. Together, we remember. Together, we rise.”

Meanwhile, Anambra State President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu who doubles as Chairman of the Planning Committee said the 2025 edition would be unique with focus on Igbo unification.

“The Igbo nation has experienced a lot of setbacks because of how her people have pursued individual agenda, as against the collective interests of the race.

“The renewed efforts by the present leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo to unify all Igbo-speaking tribes, will give impetus to the agitation by people of the race, to find relevance in the Nigerian state.

“Over the years, our people have pursued diverse interests. The disunity among Igbos has been a very strong weapon in the hands of her oppressors, and the Ohanaeze has identified this.

“From Rivers, to Delta, to parts of Kogi and other places where various dialects of the Igbo nation are spoken, we want to ensure that we begin to see ourselves as one.

“The age-long adage that ‘Igwebuike’ (There is strength in unity) must begin to play out in our system as Igbos. Together, we can forge a more formidable front to pursue our collective interests,” he said.

Expressing preparedness of Anambra State to host the celebration, Okpalaezeukwu said the hosting followed acknowledgement of state government efforts towards the Igbo agenda as well as its commitment to building livable and prosperous homeland.

“Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo is a strong believer that Igbo land can be developed in a way that it will become a destination point and not a departure lounge.

“This is a major step towards securing the best bargain for our people and Ohanaeze Ndigbo recognizes and appreciates it,” he posited.