By Uche Kalu
At the 11th CISA Worldwide Cultural Festival in Georgia, USA, Dr. Josephine Uzoamaka Aguoji, the organization's first female president, made a historic declaration to bring the world's attention to Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2024 edition of
the Council of Igbo States in the America (CISA), Dr, Aguoji noted that the Council is set to bring
the maiden edition of its prestigious Igbo Worldwide Festival of Arts and
Culture to Nigeria.
CISA President emphasized her
vision to connect Igbos in Nigeria with the festival, aligning with the Igbo
"think home" philosophy. As CISA's pioneering female president, Dr.
Aguoji's initiative will bridge cultural divides and foster global Igbo unity.
Dr. Aguoji, revered as
Ochinudo, a symbol of peaceful leadership, has pledged to collaborate with the
Igbo diaspora and key agencies to promote Igbo cultural heritage globally. This
initiative aligns with her vision for the Council of Igbo States in the
Americas (CISA), built upon her extensive experience in educational administration,
public service, and community development.
Relocating the 11-year-old
festival to Nigeria marked a pivotal milestone in propagating Igbo arts,
language, and culture worldwide. Through strategic partnerships, CISA seeks to
craft a transformative and unforgettable experience, showcasing the richness of
Igbo heritage to a global audience.
The 2024 Igbo World Festival's
theme, "Celebrating the Resilience of Igbo Culture: Past, Present, and
Future," resonates deeply with the Igbo people's remarkable story of
strength, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Observing Pivotal 11th
Anniversary of Igbo Landing:
The proceedings commenced with a poignant ritual at Dunbar Creek, St. Simons Island, Georgia, USA, commemorating the historic Igbo Landing. His Majesty, Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, the esteemed Royal Father of the day, solemnly performed the traditional breaking of kolanut ceremony. With heartfelt prayers, he invoked blessings of peace, goodwill, sound health, wisdom, and prosperity upon Ndi Igbo and their descendants globally.
Eze Eri, the revered
traditional ruler of Enugwu-Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area of
Anambra State, passionately honored the heroic sacrifices of the Igbo Landing
martyrs, whose bravery is deeply revered for its redemptive significance.
Joined by esteemed elders, including Onowu Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, Eze Eri
called for establishment of a monument at the sacred Igbo Landing site to
immortalize the Igbo warriors' legacy.
CISA's Mission:
In a statement made available
to our correspondence, CISA Media and Publicity Director, Chief Mathias
Mgbeafulu, explained that the festival aimed at promoting Igbo cultural
heritage, unity, and solidarity among Ndi Igbo worldwide. He listed other
objectives of the festival to include among others tribute to Igbo resilience
and accomplishments, recognition of Igbo Landing's enduring legacy, unity and
cultural renaissance.
Day two of the event featured a
keynote speech by Prof. Apollos Nwauwa who noted that the festival was a
testament to the Igbo people's strength and determination. He emphasized that
despite facing immense challenges, ndigbo remain successful and vibrant.
CISA Board of Trustees
Chairman, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze harped on leadership and unity as a twin
element in fostering peace and unity. He emphasized the importance of
rotational leadership and called for the creation of Anioma State and a
restructured Nigeria.
His Majesty Eze Chukwuemeka
Eri, in his remark, praised CISA leadership for promoting Igbo traditional
values and blessed all attendees, praying for the festival's success and the
well-being of their families. He called for sustaining Igbo language and
culture, urging the Igbo diaspora to work together with one voice.
Dr. Claudette Anderson, a
Jamaican of Igbo descent, focused on Igbo Calendar and civilisation. She
highlighted the significance of the Igbo calendar, emphasizing its earth-based
foundation, with Eke representing the sun, Orie for water, Nkwo for earth, and
Afor for air.
Prof. Anthony Ejiofor listed
doggedness, excellence, integrity, and high achievement as inherent characteristics
of Igbo people.
Oba Odezuligbo, Chief Dr.
Napoleon Onyechi, performed the Iwaji and Irijii ceremony, showcasing its
importance in Igbo traditional life.
The festival climaxed with a
poignant transatlantic reunion of African American families who discovered
their Igbo ancestry through DNA testing. Hearts were healed as their
reconnection transcended time and space.
The crowning of Miss Chidindu
Ojibe as the 2024 Igbo Festival Pageant Queen brought the festivals epic two
days celebration to a memorable closure.
Captivating Igbo cultural
activities, including dance, masquerade, music, arts, and crafts exhibitions,
showcasing the Igbo lifestyle impressive special effects displays, top-notch
musical talents, costumed cultural dance performances, art exhibitions
showcasing Igbo heritage and traditional masquerade displays were also part of
activities that kept attendees fully engaged and thrilled.
The 2024 CISA festival was
indeed a grand celebration, bringing together enthusiasts and well-wishers from
North America, Jamaica, South Africa, Germany, and Nigeria to honor the
enduring legacy of the Igbo people's ancestors as well as celebrate their rich
culture, arts and resilience. Indeed, the ceremony was a testament to CISA's
commitment to promoting Igbo cultural heritage and unity among the Igbo people
both at home and in diaspora.
The event was attended by
dignitaries such as representatives from the Consulate in Atlanta, Brunswick
City Manager McDuffie Regina, and Chief Ugo Onyemaobi. Other distinguished
personalities in attendance were representatives of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide,
Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, Chief Dr. Napoleon Onyechi, Nze Amadiebube Mbama, Prince
Eluemunu Sidney Davies, Prof. Douglas Chambers and Chief Ugonna John Greg.
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