Abia To Host 2026 Igbo Day As Ohanaeze Unveils Two-Day Programme

Ohanaeze says theme ‘Njiko Ka’ emphasises unity; Moghalu to deliver keynote lecture on Igbo Charter

UMUAHIA — The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has announced plans for the 2026 edition of Igbo Day, scheduled to hold on September 28 and 29 in Umuahia, Abia State, with the theme “Njiko Ka”, meaning “Togetherness is the greatest.”

Global Publicity Secretary of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, disclosed this on Tuesday in Umuahia during a press conference flanked by Secretary General, Emeka Sibeudu, and Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu.

Chukwu said the event will bring together Igbo leaders, professionals, traditional rulers, youths, women and representatives of Igbo communities from Nigeria and the diaspora.

He described the annual Igbo Day as an important occasion for Ndigbo to reflect on their history, present circumstances and collective future.

Global Publicity Secretary of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, flanked by Global Secretary, Dr Emeka Sibeudu and Abia State Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu during the press conference.

According to him, the celebration will commence on September 28 with a public lecture titled “Igbo Charter of Strategic Engagement for National Development” to be delivered by Professor Kingsley Moghalu, economist, former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and former presidential candidate.

Chukwu explained that the lecture will focus on the recently developed Igbo Charter of Strategic Engagement for National Development, a document produced by a committee of over 100 Igbo men and women drawn from technocrats, academics, professionals, women, youths, traditional rulers and clergy after extensive consultations.

He said the charter is intended to provide a framework reflecting aspirations, values and worldview of Ndigbo, while offering strategic direction for engagement with wider society and future generations.

Secretary General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide Dr Emeka Sibeudu

Professor Moghalu, who chaired the committee, will lead discussions alongside seven panelists representing the seven states that constitute the core Ohanaeze structure. The lecture will hold at Michael Okpara Auditorium, with Governor Alex Otti expected alongside other dignitaries. Members in diaspora will participate virtually.

He added that President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, will deliver welcome address and formally declare Igbo Day 2026 open.

The main celebration will take place on September 29 at Michael Okpara Square Event Centre, following wreath-laying ceremony at Cenotaph and interdenominational church service.

At the main event, Senator Azuta-Mbata is expected to deliver State of the Union Address focusing on “Njiko Ka” and importance of unity, drawing connections between previous themes “Ako Bu Ije” and “Onye Aghala Nwanne Ya” and this year’s call for togetherness.

Chukwu said representatives of Ohanaeze chapters across Nigeria and diaspora will attend, alongside South-East governors or their representatives, with traditional march-past by seven core states, youth presentations, goodwill messages and cultural activities.

He urged Ndigbo at home and abroad to participate actively, describing event as avenue to promote solidarity and shared identity.

Also speaking, Secretary General Emeka Sibeudu said Igbo Day will encourage Ndigbo to remember who they are and best way to engage government for national development, thanking Governor Otti for his hospitality.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, added that on September 28 there will be a facility tour of projects undertaken by present administration in two groups — one to Abia North and another to Abia South — converging in Umuahia before dinner.