Culture

2024 World Igbo summit committee inaugurated in Asaba

Published

2 years ago

August 1, 2024

2024 World Igbo summit committee inaugurated in Asaba

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.

Up Next

NCAC, NATOP set to explore opportunities culture, tourism sectors

Don't Miss

Kogi Plans International Culture, Tourism Carnival

Click to comment

Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

11 hours ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”