– As Ndigbo gather in Owerri, Nov 27th, 28th
Owerri, the Imo State capital, is bubbling with excitement as preparations reach fever pitch for the 2025 Ahiajoku Lecture scheduled to hold on November 28, 2025 at the Ahiajoku Convention Centre.
The prestigious annual event, which celebrates and promotes Igbo culture, philosophy, and intellectual discourse, will feature His Lordship Most Reverend Professor Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, the Bishop of Nsukka Catholic Diocese, as this year’s lecturer.
The renowned Catholic cleric and academic has confirmed his full readiness to address Ndigbo on the pressing theme: “The Future of Igbo Economy Amidst the Challenges of Insecurity: A Call for Paradigm Shift.” Bishop Onah made this revelation during a recent courtesy visit by the Director General of Ahiajoku Centre, Nze Ray Emeana, to his episcopal residence in Nsukka. The choice of theme reflects the contemporary realities facing the Igbo nation and underscores the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to economic and security challenges confronting the Southeast region.
According to sources close to the planning committee, the 2025 lecture promises to be a landmark event that will dissect critical issues affecting Igbo economic prosperity and chart a new course for the future. Bishop Onah, known for his bold commentary on societal issues and deep intellectual prowess, is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the discourse on how insecurity has impacted business activities, investments, and overall economic development in Igbo land, and the sustainable path forward.
The main lecture on November 28 will be preceded by the Ahiajoku Colloquium on November 27, also at the Ahiajoku Convention Centre. The colloquium traditionally provides a platform for scholars, intellectuals, and stakeholders to engage in preliminary discussions on aspects of the lecture theme, setting the stage for the main event. This two-day intellectual feast is expected to attract academics, traditional rulers, political leaders, businesspeople, and cultural enthusiasts from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
The city of Owerri city already experiencing a surge in anticipation as Ndigbo from various parts of the country and beyond are making arrangements to converge on the Imo State capital for the iconic event. Hotels and hospitality facilities in the city are reportedly recording increased bookings, while local businesses are preparing for the influx of visitors. The Ahiajoku Lecture has over the years become a major cultural and intellectual tourism attraction, bringing together the best minds in Igbo land to deliberate on issues of collective concern.
Bishop Onah’s selection as the 2025 lecturer has attracted commendations from Southeast and beyond to the Imo State Government of Senator Hope Uzodimma, given the revered cleric’s track record of fearless advocacy for justice, good governance, and human dignity, combined with his academic excellence and spiritual leadership. These attributes make him eminently qualified to address the challenges facing the Igbo economy at this critical moment. Many observers believe his lecture will provide actionable recommendations that could influence policy decisions and inspire a new direction for economic development in the region.
The Ahiajoku Lecture, established in 1979, remains the foremost intellectual and cultural event in Igbo land, serving as a vehicle for preserving and projecting Igbo cultural values while addressing contemporary challenges. With the caliber of this year’s lecturer and the relevance of the theme, the 2025 edition is poised to leave an indelible mark on the discourse about the future of Igbo economy and the imperative of collective action in confronting security challenges that threaten the region’s prosperity.
