The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has lauded the State of North Carolina, United States of America, for proclaiming June 14 as Igbo Day, a move it described as a historic recognition of the global contributions of the Igbo people.
In an official statement signed by Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the organisation’s President-General, Senator Azuta Mbata, commended Governor Josh Stein, the government, and the people of North Carolina for what he called “a singular honour” extended to the Igbo community.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and by extension our people all over the world, are profoundly pleased with this singular honour,” Senator Mbata stated, “in recognition of the contributions of Igbo people to the economic, political, and socio-cultural development of the State of North Carolina.”
Senator Mbata described the declaration as “a classic demonstration of inclusivity, equity, active citizenship participation, social justice, and meritocracy — virtues that remain inviolable ideals of nation building in any modern democratic state.”
He further applauded the Igbo community in North Carolina for their positive reputation and impact, praising them as “worthy ambassadors” of Igbo values.
“Ndigbo in North Carolina have exemplified the Igbo spirit of entrepreneurship, resilience, discipline, industry, and strong cultural values,” he said.
The Ohanaeze President-General also acknowledged the broader Igbo Diaspora for their economic support and social contributions to the homeland.
“We thank immensely the Igbo Diaspora for their remittances and robust contributions to the home front,” Mbata noted, urging them to remain “focused, law-abiding, and worthy emissaries of Igbo social principles and worldview.”
The organisation expressed hope that such acts of recognition would further deepen the bonds between the global Igbo community and their host societies around the world.