Igbo residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have resolved to revive the suspended Igbo Day celebration. The event is set to become a vibrant occasion where the customs and traditions of the Igbo people will take center stage and resonate with residents across the territory.
The revived Igbo Day will feature reenactments of traditional practices and serve as a platform to unite the often-fragmented Igbo leadership, especially in Gwagwalada, one of Abuja’s six area councils.
Elders of the Igbo community, who gathered at the recent Igbo Gadigide Cultural Festival in Gwagwalada, pledged to promote peace and unity among their people. They are determined to reignite enthusiasm for the return of the widely respected Annual Igbo Day celebration in the FCT.
The decision to resume the Igbo Day was made by Igbo elders, led by Mazi Dibia, during the historic first edition of the Igbo Gadigide Cultural Festival. The event saw previously divided factions of the Igbo community come together in friendship at the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Ground in Old Kutunku, Gwagwalada.
Chief (Mrs.) Princess Tobechukwu Okaforocha, spokesperson for the event’s organizers, explained that the initiative aims to encourage young people and families to speak Igbo, embrace their culture, and adopt traditional southeastern attire.
She further noted that the project has received strong support from the community, including significant moral and financial backing from Igbo businessmen in the Diaspora.
The festival attracted participants from all six area councils of Abuja and neighboring northern states.
Expressing concern about the declining use of the Igbo language among urban-born Igbo youths and parents, Evangelist Princess Tobechukwu emphasized the group’s commitment to revitalizing the language and culture throughout the FCT and Nigeria.
Community leader Ichie Onwuka Dibia of Old Kutunku echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of uniting to protect Igbo traditions and language from the influence of Western culture. He pledged full support for restarting the annual Igbo Day celebration.
The festival featured several competitions with eager participation from youths. Winners included:
Kolanut Breaking: 1st – Okwuma Joshua Chibuike, 2nd – Okechukwu David Olisaeloka, 3rd – Odika Oluebube Anthony
Cooking: 1st – Obiakor Susan Oluebubechukwu, 2nd – Anonye Angela Chinecherem, 3rd – Mba Loveth Ukamaka
Dancing: 1st – Nwaezeagu Vanessa-Vivian Chimaobi, 2nd – Okike Uchechukwu Rosemary, 3rd – Oraekeyi Nnenna, 4th – Ogbu Precious Okechi & Obiechina Chinecherem
Other activities included a Cultural Quiz Competition, where winners were:
1st – Nworah Favour, 2nd – Dike Joy Chiamaka, 3rd – Ugwuoke Chisom Divine, 4th – Nworah Chinazaekpere, 5th – Chukwudi Chisom Favour.
Cash prizes and gifts were awarded to all winners, marking a successful celebration that promises to strengthen Igbo cultural identity in Abuja.
