The Global Policy Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, has called for greater unity and strategic engagement among Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora.
Chukwu made the call on Wednesday, September 24, 2026, at the Abia State Government House in Umuahia during a press conference organised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo as part of activities leading to the two-day 2026 Igbo Day celebration scheduled for September 28 and 29.
The celebration, themed “Njiko Ka”, meaning “Togetherness is Best,” is expected to provide an opportunity for Ndigbo to reflect on their history, present realities and future aspirations while strengthening their collective identity.
Speaking on behalf of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata, and the Global Executive Council, Chukwu said the activities would commence on September 28 with a public lecture titled “Igbo Charter of Strategic Engagement for National Development.”
The lecture will be delivered by economist, banker and former presidential candidate, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, and will focus on a strategic charter developed by an inclusive committee of more than 100 Igbo professionals and stakeholders.
Chukwu said the charter is intended to articulate the aspirations, worldview and development priorities of Ndigbo while providing a framework for engagement with the wider Nigerian society and the global community.
He added that the public lecture, scheduled for the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Government House, Umuahia, would feature seven panellists representing the seven core states associated with Ohanaeze Ndigbo, comprising the five South-East states as well as Rivers and Delta States.
Participants from the Igbo diaspora are also expected to join the event virtually.
The main Igbo Day celebration is scheduled for September 29 at the Michael Okpara Square Events Centre in Umuahia.
According to the programme, activities will include a wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph, an interdenominational church service, the President-General’s state-of-the-union address on “Njiko Ka,” a traditional Igbo Day march-past, goodwill messages, cultural displays and presentations by youth groups.
Igbo chapters and affiliate organisations from across Nigeria and the diaspora are expected to participate, alongside representatives of traditional institutions, the clergy, academia, women and youth organisations.
Chukwu said the 2026 theme would build on lessons from previous Igbo Day themes, including “Akọ bụ Ije” (Wisdom is the Path) in 2024 and “Onyeaghala Nwanneya” (No One Should Abandon His Kinsman) in 2025.
He expressed appreciation to the Abia State Government and Governor Alex Otti for hosting the celebration, describing it as an opportunity for Ndigbo to gather and reflect on their shared identity and future.
Also speaking, the Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mr Emeka Ihedioha Sibeudu, said the celebration would provide an avenue for Ndigbo to reflect on their identity, aspirations and responsibilities towards national development.
Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed that September 28 would also feature a tour of selected projects undertaken by the Abia State Government.
Kanu assured the Ohanaeze leadership of the state government’s commitment to successfully hosting the two-day celebration.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
