By Prisca Nguzo
Citizens and residents of the State of North Carolina, USA on 14th June, 2025 joined Igbo indigenes living in the state to mark the 2025 historic cultural day celebration.
The citizens' participation followed the proclamation made by the state governor, Josh Stein, urging all citizens of the state to observe the day to forster unity and common purpose within the state.
Governor Stein said the proclamation was also to encourage the Igbos living in the state to continually connect, celebrate, and support one another as well as preserve and promote their rich cultural heritage.
The proclamation sealed and dated 21st May, 2025 partly reads, "WHEREAS, there are thousands of Igbo people in North Carolina, some of whom have lived here for over fifty years;
"WHEREAS, the lgbos are committed to preserving and promoting their rich cultural heritage from Nigeria.
"WHEREAS, Igbos in North Carolina are dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of Igbo culture by creating cultural awareness for future generations."
"WHEREAS, Igbos in North Carolina are involved in many charitable causes and have contributed to the economy; they have participated in elections and excel in various careers, including those working for the State of North Carolina and the federal government, thrive in fields such as education, entrepreneurship, law, medicine - including roles as doctors, nurses, pharmacists- information technology, and art; and
"WHEREAS they have volunteered in local schools, adopted a highway in North Carolina to aid cleaning efforts, supported women's shelters and hospitals, organized food pantry drives, and participated in cultural performances at local festivals, and
"NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSH STEIN, Govemor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2025, as “IGBO DAY" in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens."
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Celebrating the auspicious cultural event, the Chairman, Nze Francis Egbom and the Royal Father of the day, Eze (Prof.) Ekelekamchukwu Ngwadom, Obianoekwu 1V, Mbubu-Amiri, Oru LGA, Imo State, Nigeria and one of the planning committee members, Chief Mrs. Felicia Chika Harrison appreciated Governor Stein and the North Carolina citizens for their continued support and cooperation with Igbo community in the state.
They described the Igbos as peace loving, creative, aspiring, industrious, and accommodating people, filled with human compassion and love for one another and endowed with rich cultural heritage.
And expressing his concern about the Igbo nation, Prof. Ngwadom advised, "that the State governments of Igbo land should protect and safeguard Igboland through good governance, security, infrastructure development, job creation and good mental health.
"As Igbo nation and people, we should strive to preserve our traditions and customs by instilling in our children our cultural heritage.
"Also, we should discourage migration of Igbo youths and encourage diaspora investment back home. This way, we can boost our economy and general living of our people."
The memorable event which featured many rich cultural displays cum performances attracted high profile dignitaries within North Carolina State and beyond including members of the Governor Josh Stein delegation, Ms. Cristina Espana and Debra Ross, Prof. Chigozie Asiabaka, former Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO, among many others.
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