…as Soludo emphasized the importance of Igbo Day as a platform for Ndigbo to honour the sacrifices of past generations.
AWKA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has honoured Governor Chukwuma Soludo with a chieftaincy title as Ọkụnyeluife Ndigbo in recognition of his strides in all fields of endeavours.
This was the highpoint of the 2025 Igbo Day Celebration organized by Ohanaeze Ndigbo held at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, Anambra State, as a moment of Igbo reflection and projection into the future.
The celebration drew delegates from the seven Igbo-speaking states: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Delta, and Rivers–and commenced with a Juma’at prayer at the Central Mosque in Awka on Friday, followed by a Christian thanksgiving mass on Sunday, culminating in an Igbo Day lecture and cultural festivities.
This year’s Igbo Day also served as a solemn remembrance of Igbo heroes and victims particularly those massacred in Kano on September 29, 1966, and the millions who perished during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
Addressing the gathering, Governor Soludo who appreciated the title given to him, emphasized the importance of Igbo Day as a platform to honour the sacrifices of past generations and as a reminder of the urgent need to safeguard peace in the region.
He acknowledged that every nation has passed through their own vissisititudes, stressing that it is an opportunity to reflect on the past of ndị Igbo, but most importantly, on the future of ndị Igbo.
While stating that future of ndịgbo lies in joining hands to build a prosperous homeland and having the latitude to sour the world, Governor Soludo renewed the call for the cleansing of Igbo land through social and moral rebirth, where hard work, integrity are celebrated rather than wealth by magical means.
“We are an itinerant, enterprising people. Our strength lies in our mobility and ability to adapt globally. Igbo cannot afford to be insular or intolerant. We need Nigeria, and Nigeria needs us. We are critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project.” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, the Deputy President-General, Chief Okey Nwadinobi, described the event’s theme “Ndigbo: Onye Aghala Nwanne Ya” (Let no one abandon their brother) as a call to restore the Igbo spirit of brotherhood and collective responsibility.
“This theme is more than a slogan; it is a roadmap. We must build a region that is not a land of despair but a destination of hope and prosperity,” he stated.
Nwadinobi stressed that despite the immense contributions of Igbo to national development, they have not received commensurate recognition or justice in Nigeria.
He called for equity and inclusion, adding that Ndigbo must continue to advocate for a united and just Nigeria that protects all its peoples.
Senator Ned Nwoko, represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu, praised the achievements of Ndigbo across all fields of human endeavor. However, he emphasized that the Igbo race had yet to reach its full potential.
“Despite our excellence in various sectors, we’ve barely scratched the surface. We must preserve our heritage, defend our land, and uphold the rule of law if we are to fulfill our manifest destiny.”he stated.
He further called on Ohanaeze and the wider Igbo community to support the proposed creation of Anioma State as the sixth state in the Southeast and the 37th state in Nigeria, arguing that it would correct historical injustices and balance Nigeria’s geopolitical structure.
“Our bill for Anioma State has received support from over 90 Senators. We urge Ohanaeze to back this just cause. This is more than a political ambition; it is a fight for equity.”he added.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and Anambra State President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, thanked all who contributed to the success of the event.
He reiterated the non-negotiable importance of unity among Igbo and praised the current leadership of Ohanaeze for championing inclusiveness and reconciliation across all Igbo communities.
“A fragmented Igbo nation cannot wield influence. If we must regain our strategic relevance in Nigeria, we must close ranks and speak with one voice.”he stated.
The event was enriched with traditional performances by masquerades and cultural troupes, adding vibrant color to the commemoration.
