Governor Stein of North Carolina,USA Declares June 14 Igbo Day Across State

Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina

The Governor of North Carolina, Josh Stein, has officially declared June 14, 2025, as “Igbo Day” throughout the state of North Carolina.

In his proclamation, Governor Stein urged for a statewide observance of Igbo Day, recognizing the many contributions of the Igbo community to the state’s cultural, social, and economic landscape.

According to the Governor, members of the Igbo community have volunteered in local schools, supported food pantries, participated in highway cleanups, and engaged in outreach initiatives at women’s shelters and hospitals.

The proclamation honors the vibrant Igbo population in North Carolina, whose roots trace back to southeastern Nigeria.

With thousands of Igbo residents some of whom have lived in the state for more than fifty years the community has become an integral part of North Carolina’s fabric.

Governor Stein noted that the Igbos in the state are involved in many charitable causes and have made significant contributions to the economy.

He highlighted that the community thrives in diverse fields such as education, law, medicine, information technology, and the arts.

Their work continues to enrich North Carolina in countless ways.

The proclamation also acknowledged the establishment of the nonprofit Igbo Day Festival Organisation in 2022, which launched the first Igbo Day Festival on July 10 of that year.

The organization’s mission is to educate the broader public about Igbo traditions through art, music, language, and communal values, while fostering a strong sense of identity among younger generations.

Governor Stein emphasized that beyond cultural preservation, the Igbo community demonstrates a deep commitment to civic engagement and philanthropy. Their volunteer efforts span from education to healthcare, showcasing their dedication to improving communities across the state.

The official proclamation reads: “WHEREAS, there are thousands of Igbo people in North Carolina, some of whom have lived here for over fifty years;

WHEREAS, the Igbos are committed to preserving and promoting their rich cultural heritage from Nigeria. Igbos in North Carolina are encouraged to connect, celebrate, and support one another, fostering a strong sense of unity, bonding, and belonging;

WHEREAS, the Igbo community aspires to create an environment where their members thrive, traditions flourish, and their contributions to society are recognized and valued. Through their collective efforts, the Igbo community aims to inspire future generations to embrace their identity and foster a strong sense of belonging and purpose within North Carolina;

WHEREAS, in 2022, the Igbo North Carolinians established the nonprofit Igbo Day Festival Organisation to unite and educate Igbo families and North Carolinians about Igbo culture, art, music, and traditional values. The first Igbo Day Festival was held on July 10, 2022;

WHEREAS, their vision is to be a thriving community that not only honors and promotes the rich heritage of the Igbo people of Nigeria in North Carolina, but also serves as a beacon of unity, support, and cultural pride;

WHEREAS, Igbos in North Carolina are involved in many charitable causes and have contributed significantly to the economy. They have participated in elections and excel in various careers, including roles in state and federal government, and in fields such as education, entrepreneurship, law, medicine—as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists—information technology, and the arts;

WHEREAS, they have volunteered in local schools, adopted a highway in North Carolina to aid in cleanup efforts, supported women’s shelters and hospitals, organized food pantry drives, and participated in cultural performances at local festivals;

WHEREAS, Igbos in North Carolina are dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of Igbo culture by promoting cultural awareness for future generations;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSH STEIN, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2025, as ‘IGBO DAY’ in North Carolina and commend its observance to all citizens.