Ohanaeze Ndigbo to unveil Charter on strategic engagement at World Igbo Day celebration
Sen Mbata, Ohanaeze Ndigbo PG
The Global Publicity Secretary of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo World wide, Dr. Ezichi Chukwu programme was announced during a press briefing in Umuahia , the State capital, said the event would bring together Igbo leaders, professionals, traditional rulers, youths, women and representatives of Igbo communities from Nigeria and the diaspora.
He announced that plans for the 2026 edition of Igbo Day, scheduled to take place on September 28 and 29 in Umuahia, has been concluded with the theme “Njiko Ka”, meaning “Togetherness is the greatest.”
Chukwu who was flanked by the Secretary General of the organisation,Mr. Emeka Scbeudu and the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, revealed that the annual Igbo Day remains an important occasion for the Igbo people to reflect on their history, present circumstances and collective future.
According to him, the charter is intended to provide a framework reflecting the aspirations, values and worldview of Ndigbo, while offering strategic direction for engagement with the wider society and future generations.
According to him, the lecture is expected to hold at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, with the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, expected to attend alongside Igbo leaders and other distinguished guests as well as members of the Igbo community in the diaspora are also expected to participate virtually.
Chukwu added that the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Distinguished Senator John Azuta-Mbata, would deliver a welcome address and formally declare Igbo Day 2026 open.
The main Igbo Day celebration will take place on September 29 at the Michael Okpara Square Event Centre, following a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph and an interdenominational church service.
At the main event, Senator Azuta-Mbata is expected to deliver a State of the Union Address focusing on the theme “Njiko Ka” and the importance of unity among Ndigbo.
Chukwu said the President-General would also draw connections between the themes of previous Igbo Day celebrations, including “Akuko Bu Ije” and “Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya,” and this year’s call for togetherness.
He disclosed that representatives of Ohanaeze chapters across Nigeria and the diaspora would attend the celebration, alongside governors from the South-East, or their representatives.
The programme will also feature the traditional Igbo Day march-past by the seven core states of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, youth presentations, goodwill messages and other cultural activities.
Chukwu said the celebration would provide an opportunity for Ndigbo to strengthen their sense of unity, reflect on their collective journey and discuss their aspirations for the future.
He urged Ndigbo at home and abroad to participate actively in the activities, describing the event as an avenue to promote solidarity and a shared sense of identity among the people.
