The Local Organising Committee for the upcoming 2024 World Igbo Culture, Language, Heritage, and Tourism Summit has been inaugurated.

The committee, inaugurated in Asaba, the Delta State capital, vowed to ensure that the event becomes a resounding success.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, former Inspector General of Police, Mr Mike Okiro, stated that the summit aimed to bring together Igbo-speaking people from across the world to contribute to the formation of a shared cultural identity and collective consciousness within the society.

He said, “This summit will hold in November 2024, and will bring together Igbo-speaking people from across the world.

“The summit as a cultural heritage event will have a profound impact on every society, and will serve as a primary construction of the human community and an expression of existential living.”

He said technological advancements should be integrated into cultural heritage to promote greater unity, mutual understanding, and respect among the community.

In her remarks, the Mother of the Day, Mrs Chika Ibeneme, represented by a one-time Chief of Staff to the Imo State governor, Mrs Ijeoma Igboanusi, commended the Igbo Unity Initiative and congratulated the people of Delta State for hosting the programme aimed at uniting all Igbo cultures.

Ibeneme applauded the exceptional qualities of the Igbo people in business, intelligence, strength, and dedication to development.

In his acceptance speech, the LOC Chairman, Mr Patrick Nwanze, said that this year’s World Igbo Summit would be the first of its kind, noting that the summit will showcase over 1,000 cultures of Igbos in different units.

Nwanze noted that the gathering of diverse cultures and languages of Igbo-speaking people would play a significant role in enhancing national cohesion and integration, which are highly emphasized in Igbo values.

He added that the committee’s focus would be on promoting Igbo culture, language, heritage, and tourism, aiming to attract global attention and participation.

Also, a Don at the University of Port Harcourt, and Secretary of the LOC, Prof. Adaobi Ugbomeh, applauded the organizers for finding her worthy to serve in that capacity.

She stated that the ultimate goal was to showcase the unity of the Igbo language and culture, despite its diverse dialects.

Ugbomeh said while dialects may vary, the Igbo people are one, likening their diversity to different dialects.

She said the summit would foster a deeper understanding and recognition of Igbo unity, emphasizing that knowledge is power and seeking to dispel misconceptions and ignorance that have led some to argue against Igbo unity.