Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called for greater unity among the Igbo and a more strategic approach to engaging the Nigerian government and wider society.
The call was made on Wednesday by the organisation's Global Policy Secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, at a press conference in Umuahia, Abia State, ahead of the 2026 Igbo Day celebration scheduled for September 28 and 29.
Chukwu said this year's celebration, themed “Njiko Ka”, meaning “togetherness is best”, was designed to provide an avenue for Ndigbo in Nigeria and the diaspora to reflect on their collective journey and chart a common course for the future.
Speaking on behalf of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata, and the Global Executive Council, he said the celebration would also focus attention on the need for greater strategic engagement in advancing the interests of the Igbo and contributing to national development.
A major highlight of the programme will be a public lecture on September 28 titled, “Igbo Charter of Strategic Engagement for National Development”.
The lecture, to be delivered by economist, banker and former presidential candidate, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, will centre on a charter developed by a committee of more than 100 Igbo professionals and stakeholders.
Chukwu said the committee comprised representatives of academia, public service, traditional institutions, the clergy, women and youth groups, among others.
He said the charter was intended to articulate the aspirations, worldview and development priorities of Ndigbo and establish a framework for engaging both Nigerian society and the international community.
“It is an opportunity for us to revitalise 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,” Chukwu said.
The public lecture will take place at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Government House, Umuahia, and will feature seven panellists representing the seven core states of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
The seven states comprise the five South-East states, Rivers and Delta, while participants from the diaspora are expected to join the event virtually.
The main Igbo Day celebration will hold on September 29 at the Michael Okpara Square Events Centre, near the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, Umuahia.
The day's activities will begin with the laying of wreaths at the cenotaph and an interdenominational church service before moving to the Michael Okpara Auditorium for the main celebration.
The programme will include a state-of-the-union address by the President-General, Senator John Mbata, on the theme, “Njiko Ka”, as well as the traditional march-past by representatives of the seven core states.
Goodwill messages, cultural performances and presentations by youth groups are also expected to feature.
Chukwu said Igbo chapters and affiliate organisations across Nigeria and in the diaspora would participate in the celebration, alongside leaders from the clergy, academia, traditional institutions, women and youth groups.
He said the organisers would also draw lessons from previous Igbo Day themes, including “Akọ bụ Ije” (Wisdom is the path), adopted in 2024, and “Onyeaghala Nwanneya” (No one should abandon his kinsman), adopted in 2025.
According to him, the themes provide important lessons for the renewed push for unity among Ndigbo.
He commended the Abia State Government and Governor Alex Otti for agreeing to host the 2026 celebration, saying the event would enable participants to experience the state's hospitality.
The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mr Emeka Ihedioha Sibeudu, said the event would also serve as a reminder of the identity, aspirations and responsibilities of Ndigbo in Nigeria's development.
Sibeudu said the celebration would create an opportunity for the Igbo to reflect on their journey and explore constructive ways of engaging government on issues affecting national development.
Also speaking, the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the September 28 programme would include a tour of some projects executed by the state government.
Kanu assured the Ohanaeze leadership of the commitment of the Alex Otti administration to a successful hosting of the two-day event.
He thanked the organisation for selecting Abia as the host state for the 2026 Igbo Day celebration.
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