Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to uniting the Igbo-speaking states by reviving the annual Ahiajoku Lecture, which will be held before the end of 2024.
Speaking at a world press conference in Owerri, the Director General of the Ahiajoku Centre, Raymond Emeana, said the event aims to reignite interest in one of the most cherished cultural heritages of the Igbo people.
Emeana noted that inquiries and excitement from Ndigbo both at home and in the diaspora have shown strong anticipation for this year’s lecture.
“The Ahiajoku Lecture Festival offers a platform not only to celebrate our rich traditions and history but also to reflect on the intellectual and philosophical foundations that define us as a people,” Emeana said.
He emphasized that the festival is more than a cultural display, describing it as “an intellectual harvest, rooted in ancestral reverence for agriculture, knowledge, and community.”
Emeana provided historical context, noting that the lecture series was instituted in 1979 by Chief Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe, the first elected governor of the old Imo State.
The event was designed as a pan-Igbo forum for intellectual discourse on Igbo identity and heritage.
“The Ahiajoku Festival is a vital Pan-Igbo intellectual platform for Igbo people from the South East, including Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, as well as the South-South states with significant Igbo populations, such as Delta and Rivers,” he explained.
Emeana praised Governor Uzodimma for his “unwavering commitment” to restoring and promoting the Ahiajoku Festival, saying the governor’s efforts reflect a blend of cultural preservation and contemporary relevance.
“This year’s festival will honor our glorious past while addressing the pressing challenges of our time,” Emeana said.
“His Excellency believes that cultural preservation is crucial for unity and development, and we deeply appreciate his support.”
He disclosed that the theme for the 2024 lecture, selected by the Advisory Council and ratified by Governor Uzodimma, is “The Future of the Igbo Economy amidst Challenges of Insecurity in the South East: A Call for Paradigm Shift.”
Emeana explained that the topic reflects critical issues affecting the Igbo people, including their well-being, security, governance, and economic development.
Preparations for the event are in full swing, with cultural experts, scholars, and institutions from both local and international spheres engaged to ensure the festival meets world-class standards.
“Our partnerships will enable an exchange of ideas that will enrich the event’s quality,” Emeana said. “We understand the public’s eagerness for more information, and further details regarding the lecturer, venue, date, guest speakers, cultural performances, and exhibitions will be unveiled in the coming days.”
He emphasized that the Ahiajoku Lecture Festival is not just a celebration but a space for critical discourse, reflection, and cultural pride.
“It is a festival for lovers of Igbo culture, seekers of knowledge, and advocates for progress. The event offers an opportunity to reconnect with our identity while charting a path forward,” Emeana concluded.
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