As the 2026 World Igbo Day approaches, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation has unveiled plans for the celebration scheduled for September 28 and 29 in Umuahia, the Abia state capital.
Addressing a news conference at the Government House, Umuahia, on Wednesday, the Global Policy Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, said that the theme of this year’s celebration, “Njiko Ka”, was chosen to underscore the importance of unity among the Igbo people.
Dr. Chukwu, who spoke on behalf of the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Distinguished Senator John Azuta Mbata, and the Global Executive Council, made public that activities would commence on September 28 with a public lecture titled “Igbo Charter of Strategic Engagement for National Development,” to be delivered by renowned economist, banker and former presidential candidate in Nigeria, Professor Kingsley Moghalu.
According to him, the lecture would focus on the Igbo Charter of Strategic Engagement for National Development, a document developed by an inclusive committee of more than 100 Igbo professionals and stakeholders drawn from various sectors, including the academia, public service, traditional institutions, the clergy, women and youth groups.
Dr. Chukwu said the charter was conceived as a strategic document that would articulate the aspirations, worldview and development priorities of Ndigbo and provide a framework for engaging the wider Nigerian society and the global community.
“It is an opportunity for us to revitalize our sense of oneness as one people and to reflect on where we are coming from, where we are and where we are going to, in a very amiable and fraternal sense of organic solidarity,” he said.
He disclosed that the lecture, scheduled to hold at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Government House, Umuahia, which is a prelude to the main day, would feature seven panelists representing the seven core states of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, including the five South East states and tro With South states of Rivers and Delta states, with participants from the diaspora also expected to join virtually.
Dr. Chukwu added that the President-General, Senator John Azuta Mbata, would deliver a welcome address and formally declare Igbo Day 2026 open during the event.
According to him, the main Igbo Day celebration would take place on September 29 at the Michael Okpara Square Events Centre, near the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, Umuahia, beginning with the laying of wreaths at the cenotaph and an interdenominational church service, and would be rounded off with celebrations at the Michael Okpara Auditorium.
He said the main event would feature the President-General’s state of the union address on the theme “Njiko Ka,” the traditional Igbo Day march-past by the seven core Igbo states, goodwill messages, cultural activities and presentations by youth groups.
He further disclosed that Igbo chapters and affiliate organisations from different parts of Nigeria, as well as diaspora chapters, would participate in the celebration, while Igbo leaders from the clergy, the academia, traditional institutions, women and youth groups were expected to attend.
According to him, the celebration would provide an opportunity for Ndigbo to reflect on their past, present and future while strengthening their sense of collective identity and purpose.
Dr. Chukwu said the celebration would also provide an opportunity to draw lessons from previous themes, including “Akọ bụ Ije” (Wisdom is the path) and “Onyeaghala Nwanneya” (no one should abandon his kinsman), adopted at 2024 and 2025 Igbo Day celebrations, and apply them to the current call for greater unity.
He called for greater unity and strategic engagement among Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora.
DrvChukwu expressed appreciation to the Abia State Government for hosting the 2026 Igbo Day celebration, saying that, the event would provide Ndigbo with an opportunity to experience the hospitality for which the state is known.
Contributing, the Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Emeka Ihedioha Sibeudu, said the celebration would provide an opportunity to remind Ndigbo of their identity, aspirations and responsibility towards national development.
Mr. Sibeudu expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for the hospitality extended to the organisation, noting that the celebration would enable Ndigbo to come together, reflect on their journey and discuss constructive ways of engaging government for national development.
According to him, “We await the D-Day to tell the whole world who we are as the Igbo nation,” while expressing optimism that the celebration would further strengthen unity and collective purpose among Ndigbo.”
In his speech, Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed that September 28 would also feature a facility tour of projects undertaken by the Abia State Government, in which the leadership of Ohanaeze would your the state with journalists.
Prince Kanu assured the commitment of the Governor Alex Otti led administration to hosting the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation for the two days and appreciated the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for chosen Abia state for the 2026 Igbo Day celebrations.
