Recently, the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee for the forthcoming 2024 World Igbo Culture, Language, Heritage, and Tourism Summit took place in Asaba.
The committee, established in Asaba, the Delta State capital, has expressed their commitment to ensuring the event’s success.
During the event, the Chairman of the occasion, former Inspector General of Police, Mr Mike Okiro, outlined the summit’s purpose of uniting Igbo-speaking individuals worldwide to contribute to the development of a shared cultural identity and collective consciousness within society.
He highlighted, “This summit, scheduled for November 2024, aims to converge Igbo-speaking persons globally.
“As a cultural heritage gathering, this summit is poised to significantly impact all societies, acting as a fundamental building block of the human community and a reflection of communal living.”
He stressed the importance of integrating technological advancements into cultural heritage to foster greater unity, mutual understanding, and respect within the community.
During her address, the Mother of the Day, Mrs. Chika Ibeneme, represented by former Chief of Staff to the Imo State governor, Mrs. Ijeoma Igboanusi, praised the Igbo Unity Initiative and commended the Delta State residents for hosting an event aimed at unifying all Igbo cultures.
Ibeneme lauded the exceptional attributes of the Igbo people in business, intelligence, resilience, and commitment to progress.
In his acceptance speech, the LOC Chairman, Mr. Patrick Nwanze, envisioned the 2024 World Igbo Summit as a groundbreaking event, highlighting its display of over 1,000 diverse Igbo cultures.
Nwanze emphasized that the convergence of varied cultures and languages among Igbo-speaking communities would significantly contribute to national unity and integration, core values in Igbo traditions.
He underlined the committee’s dedication to promoting Igbo culture, language, heritage, and tourism, with the goal of attracting global visibility and engagement.
Moreover, a University of Port Harcourt Professor and LOC Secretary, Prof. Adaobi Ugbomeh, praised the organizers for entrusting her with the role.
She highlighted the primary objective of showcasing the unity of the Igbo language and culture, despite their distinct dialects.
Ugbomeh emphasized that while dialects may differ, the Igbo people remain unified, likening their diversity to various dialects.
She expressed that the summit would deepen understanding and appreciation of Igbo unity, emphasizing the power of knowledge and aiming to dispel misunderstandings and ignorance that challenge Igbo unity.