As the 11th edition of the CISA Worldwide Cultural Festival in Georgia, USA, drew to a close, its first female president, Dr. Josephine Uzoamaka Aguoji, made a landmark declaration that would bring the world to Nigeria’s doorstep, reports KASIE ABONE.
The Council of Igbo States in the Americas (CISA) has concluded plans to host the maiden edition of its highly esteemed Igbo Worldwide Festival of Arts and Culture in Nigeria.
This remarkable development was announced by CISA President, Dr. Josephine Uzoamaka Aguoji, at the 2024 edition of the annual festival held in Georgia, USA.
As the pioneering female president of CISA, Dr. Aguoji aims to facilitate access for Igbos in Nigeria to fully engage with the festival, consistent with the “think home” philosophy of the Igbo people.
Dr. Aguoji, who also wears the traditional title of Ochinudo (meaning “peaceful leader”), has pledged to work with the Igbo diaspora and other relevant agencies to promote Igbo cultural heritage worldwide.
The move, she said, was in line with her vision for CISA, built on her wealth of experience in educational administration, public service, and community building.
Moving the festival to Nigeria for the first time was a landmark development in promoting Igbo arts, language, and culture across the globe.
By partnering with other organizations, CISA aims to create transformative and memorable experiences for guests.
The theme of the 2024 Igbo World Festival, “Celebrating the Resilience of Igbo Culture: Past, Present, and Future,” evokes strong emotions, highlighting the Igbo people’s resilience, inner fortitude, and propensity for excellence.
Observing the 11th Anniversary of Igbo Landing
The proceedings opened with a ritual honouring the historical significance of Igbo Landing at Dunbar Creek, St. Simons Island, Georgia, USA. The Royal Father of the day, His Majesty, Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, performed the breaking of the kolanut ritual, praying for peace, goodwill, sound health, wisdom, and prosperity for all Ndi Igbo and their descendants worldwide.
Eze Eri, the traditional ruler of Enugwu-Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, extolled the noble sacrifice and heroic acts of Igbo Landing’s brave martyrs, whose courageous acts were esteemed as salvific and redemptive. Other esteemed elders accompanying Eze Eri in performing the opening ceremony included Onowu Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, among others.
He emphasized the need to build a monument at the sacred Igbo Landing site to commemorate the Igbo warriors.
CISA’s Mission
In a statement, CISA Media and Publicity Director, Chief Mathias Mgbeafulu, stated that the festival aimed to promote Igbo cultural heritage, unity, and solidarity among Ndi Igbo worldwide. He listed additional objectives, including tribute to Igbo resilience and accomplishments, recognition of Igbo Landing’s enduring legacy, and unity and cultural renaissance.
Day two of the festival showcased esteemed keynote speakers and inspiring insights from eminent personalities.
In his keynote speech, Prof. Apollos Nwauwa said, “The festival is a testament to the Igbo people’s strength and determination.”
He emphasized that despite facing immense challenges, the Igbo remain successful and vibrant.
CISA Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, emphasized leadership and unity as twin elements in fostering peace and unity. He stressed the importance of rotational leadership and called for the creation of Anioma State and a restructured Nigeria.
His Majesty Eze Chukwuemeka Eri 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 the Igbo calendar and civilization. She highlighted the significance of the Igbo calendar, emphasizing its earth-based foundation.
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 the reconnection transcended time and space.
Miss Chidindu Ojibe was crowned the 2024 Igbo Festival Pageant Queen, bringing the festival’s epic.
The event was attended by dignitaries such as representatives from the Consulate in Atlanta, Brunswick City Manager McDuffie Regina, and Chief Ugo Onyemaobi. Other distinguised 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.
