CurrentReport Blog The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has committed to reviving the annual Ahiajoku Lecture as part of his administration’s efforts to foster unity among Igbo-speaking states. Scheduled for later in 2024, the Ahiajoku Lecture Festival will celebrate Igbo heritage, culture, and intellectual contributions, bringing together Igbo communities from across the South East and parts of the South-South.
In a press briefing in Owerri, the Director General of the Ahiajoku Centre, Raymond Emeana, highlighted the strong interest from Igbo communities both in Nigeria and abroad. He described the Ahiajoku Festival as a “cultural and intellectual harvest,” deeply embedded in Igbo traditions and values of agriculture, knowledge, and community.
This year’s Ahiajoku lecture theme, “The Future of the Igbo Economy amidst Challenges of Insecurity in the South East: A Call for Paradigm Shift,” has been ratified by Governor Uzodimma, underscoring the region’s commitment to addressing economic growth, security, and development.
Since its inception in 1979, under former governor Chief Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe, the Ahiajoku Lecture Festival has served as a pan-Igbo platform for cultural and intellectual exchange. Governor Uzodimma’s support for the festival, Emeana noted, reflects his dedication to preserving Igbo culture for future generations. Preparations for this year’s event include collaborations with cultural experts, scholars, and institutions, aiming to make the 2024 festival truly world-class.
The full details of the Ahiajoku Festival, including the keynote speakers, date, and program, will be announced in the coming days.
