The Governor of Imo state, Senator Hope Uzodimma, on Thursday, in Owerri, inaugurated the members of the 46th Ahiajioku Festival Planning Committee.
The members are;
- Chief Gary Igariwey – Chairman
- Sir. Stanley Amuchie – Deputy Chairman
- Hon. Declan Emelumba
- Hon. Jerry Egemba
- Prof. Lucy Opakama
- Mazi Uche Ohia
- Prof. Jerome Okonkwo
- Dr. Mathew Ekworibe
- Rev. (Prof). Philip Ogbonna
- Chief Paddy Obinna
- Barr. Tony Duruaku
- Chief Onuoha Ukeh
- Dr. Chris Isiguzo
- Chief I. C. Maduagwu, etc.
There is also representatives of all the seven Igbo-speaking states in the committee.
The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, expressed his profound gratitude to God, appreciating him for bestowing Ndigbo with right cultures and traditions, as he called for the preservation of the Igbo cultural heritage.
While inaugurating the members, he reminded them of the significance of the Ahiajoku celebration and how important it is to the Imo State Government and the Igbo race.
“It is my great pleasure to stand before you at this epoch making event to activate a reflection on who we are, our journey so far and the values we cherish as a people.
“I thank God Almighty who bequeathed us with rich and veritable cultures and traditions which now behoove on us to promote and preserve for posterity.
“This moment marks a significant milestone in the Igbo nation and Nigeria’s development and I am honoured to be part of it.
“Our government will continue to uphold the cultural heritage of Igbo land and will continue to ensure that traditional rulers and custodians of our cultures will do the same in our various autonomous communities.
“Ahiajoku festival represents a new beginning, a fresh start and endless possibilities.
“It celebrates not only our culture and tradition but our achievements resilience and intellectual prowess.
“I therefore, call on Ndigbo, home and abroad to come together, explore and make the best of the wonderful opportunity”, he said.
The Governor also ceased the opportunity to assure Ndigbo of good leadership and governance, through collaboration and provisions of the needed dividends of democracy, while inviting all Nigerians to join Ndigbo in the Ahiajoku celebration.
“Permit me to say at this junction that, under my administration, we will continue to bring the dividends of democracy to the grassroots, through strengthening our collaboration with others for the provision of basic infrastructures and social amenities.
“I therefore call on all Nigerians to join us celebrate this momentous occasion, as I assure us of the state’s usual hospitality and unwavering commitment to peace and unity”, he said.
The Director of Ahiajoku Center, Hon. Nze Ray Emeaña, while commending the Governor for reviving the Ahiajoku festival, also thanking him for choosing distinguished men and women for this year’s edition, informed that this year’s celebration will be the 46th edition but its 26th lecture series.
He reflected that Ahiajoku festival was initiated by the visionary leadership of the first Civilian Governor of Imo state, Dr. Sam Mbakwe, in recognition of the rich cultures of Ndigbo, the people’s inclination to agriculture and celebration of productivity.
He further noted that Ahiajoku is historic as it is important in the story of the Igbo race and as such, promised to ensure that it is celebrated with the dignity it deserves.
Sir Stanley Amuchie, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, speaking on behalf of the Chairman, who was unavoidably absent, praised the Governor for his clear understanding of the importance of the Ahiajoku celebration, as he also lauded his choice of membership, stressing that, with the personalities on board, “the 2025 edition is already a success”.
The festival is slated to hold in November 28th and 29th, 2025 with “The Future of the Igbo Economy Amidst the Challenges of Insecurity in the South East: A Call for Paradigm Shift”, as the proposed lecture topic to be delivered by Rev. Prof. Geoffrey Igwebuike Onah.
