By Nkechi Eze
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called for greater unity, cooperation and collective responsibility among Ndigbo as it commemorated the 2026 Igbo Day in Umuahia, Abia State.
The 2026 Igbo Day commemoration, which culminated on Tuesday, September 29, brought together prominent Igbo leaders, traditional and religious figures, political stakeholders and other members of the community to celebrate Igbo identity, heritage and collective aspirations.
According to an official statement signed by the Global Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, the event was chaired by retired General Ike Nwachukwu, CFR, who urged Ndigbo, particularly the younger generation, to embrace their cultural heritage, enterprise and excellence while contributing to the development of Ala Igbo.
Declaring the commemoration open, the Abia State Governor and host governor, Dr Alex Otti, urged Ndigbo to place collective interests above individual differences, stressing the need for unity and cooperation in advancing the development of the South-East.
The Chief Host and President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, also reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening unity among Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora.
Mbata said the theme of the celebration, “Njiko Ka” (Togetherness is Best), underscored the importance of collective action in building a shared future for the Igbo people.
He stressed that the strength of Ndigbo depended on their ability to work together despite differences in opinion, political affiliation, location and generation.
According to him, a renewed spirit of brotherhood, mutual respect and collective responsibility was necessary to secure the future of the Igbo people, particularly by harnessing their talents, resources and institutions towards common goals.
A major highlight of the September 29 programme was the laying of wreaths at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph in Umuahia in honour of Igbo heroes and heroines who made significant sacrifices to the history and development of the Igbo people.
The solemn ceremony provided an opportunity for the leaders and participants to pay tribute to the departed while reaffirming the values of service, courage, sacrifice and commitment to the Igbo cause.
The event also featured an interdenominational church service.
The 2026 Igbo Day activities had commenced on September 28 with a public lecture delivered by Professor Kingsley Moghalu, while the Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prince Okey Nwadinobi, delivered the closing remarks.
Among the dignitaries who attended the commemoration were Prince Okey Nwadinobi; Emeka Sibeudu; Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Prof. Mrs. Uche Azikiwe; Chief Mike Okiro; Archbishop Sunday Onuoha; Princess Gloria Akobundu, Ph.D.; Iyom Josephine Anenih; Archbishop Chibuzor Raphael Opoko; Prof. Uchefula Chukwumaeze, SAN; Rt. Hon. Ike C. Ibe; Prof. Ossy Nwebo; Chief Alexander Chika Okafor (Chikason); Rev. Divine Eches, Ph.D.; Bishop Athan Azubuike; and former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, among other leaders and stakeholders.
