2025 Igbo Day Celebration: Soludo, Nwoko, Others Urge United Front to Secure Igboland from Insecurity
Ndi Igbo have been urged to rally behind ongoing efforts to end the rising insecurity in Igboland and forge a united front to maintain their relevance within the Nigerian federation.
This call was made by the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, and the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Nwoko, alongside other prominent Igbo leaders, during the 2025 Igbo Day Celebration organized by Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
The celebration drew delegates from the seven Igbo-speaking states,Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Delta, and Rivers—and commenced with a Juma’at prayer at the Central Mosque in Awka on Friday, followed by a Christian thanksgiving mass on Sunday, culminating in an Igbo Day lecture and cultural festivities.
This year’s Igbo Day also served as a solemn remembrance of Igbo heroes and victims particularly those massacred in Kano on September 29, 1966, and the millions who perished during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
The event, held at Alex Ekwueme Square, was a moment of both reflection and projection into the future.
In his address, Governor Soludo emphasized the importance of Igbo Day as a platform to honor the sacrifices of past generations and as a reminder of the urgent need to safeguard peace in the region.
“This day must remind us, especially the younger generation, that war is not a romantic idea. Those who glorify war have never experienced its horrors,” Soludo warned.
He decried the growing violence in the Southeast, describing it as largely self-inflicted, and called for honest introspection among the Igbo.
“Today, the insecurity in our region is driven mainly by our own people. Our forests have been hijacked by criminals masquerading as freedom fighters. They are killing Igbo, not protecting them. We must reclaim our homeland,” he said.
Soludo also called for a revival of core Igbo values and a broader understanding of Igbo identity:
“We are an itinerant, enterprising people. Our strength lies in our mobility and ability to adapt globally. Igbo cannot afford to be insular or intolerant. We need Nigeria, and Nigeria needs us. We are critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project.” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, the Deputy President-General, Chief Okey Nwadinobi, described the event’s theme “Ndigbo: Onye Aghala Nwanne Ya” (Let no one abandon their brother)—as a call to restore the Igbo spirit of brotherhood and collective responsibility.
“This theme is more than a slogan; it is a roadmap. We must build a region that is not a land of despair but a destination of hope and prosperity,” he stated.
Nwadinobi stressed that despite the immense contributions of Igbo to national development, they have not received commensurate recognition or justice in Nigeria.
He called for equity and inclusion, adding that Ndigbo must continue to advocate for a united and just Nigeria that protects all its peoples.
Senator Ned Nwoko, represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu, praised the achievements of Ndigbo across all fields of human endeavor. However, he emphasized that the Igbo race had yet to reach its full potential.
“Despite our excellence in various sectors, we’ve barely scratched the surface. We must preserve our heritage, defend our land, and uphold the rule of law if we are to fulfill our manifest destiny.”he stated.
He further called on Ohanaeze and the wider Igbo community to support the proposed creation of Anioma State as the sixth state in the Southeast and the 37th state in Nigeria, arguing that it would correct historical injustices and balance Nigeria’s geopolitical structure.
“Our bill for Anioma State has received support from over 90 Senators. We urge Ohanaeze to back this just cause. This is more than a political ambition; it is a fight for equity.”he added.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and Anambra State President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, thanked all who contributed to the success of the event.
He reiterated the non-negotiable importance of unity among Igbo and praised the current leadership of Ohanaeze for championing inclusiveness and reconciliation across all Igbo communities.
“A fragmented Igbo nation cannot wield influence. If we must regain our strategic relevance in Nigeria, we must close ranks and speak with one voice.”he stated.
The event was enriched with traditional performances by masquerades and cultural troupes, adding vibrant color to the commemoration.
