Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has led Ndigbo across Igbo land and the diaspora in the maiden observance of the Igbo Adoration and Thanksgiving Day, marking a historic moment of collective worship, gratitude and reflection.
A statement signed by Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, National Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, said the event was held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, with churches across Igbo land and Igbo communities worldwide observing the special day dedicated to thanking God for His mercy, preservation and guidance of the Igbo people over decades of trials and challenges.
Dr. Chukwu said, further stated that the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, worshipped with members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu, during the solemn thanksgiving service.
The Holy Mass was officiated by Rev. Fr. Michael Ogbu, who, in his homily, charged Ndigbo to uphold and protect their identity, remain steadfast in prayer and continue to rely on God in all circumstances. He described the Igbo as “life-givers” and reassured the congregation that the same God who sustained Ndigbo through the Nigerian civil war and subsequent challenges would never abandon them.
Addressing Ndigbo worldwide, Senator Azuta-Mbata expressed gratitude for the widespread observance of the day and urged the people to remain resolute in faith and conduct.
“I thank Ndigbo all over the world for observing this historic day. We must continue to be prayerful, law-abiding, focused and worthy ambassadors of Alaigbo wherever we find ourselves,” Mbata said.
He stressed that the Igbo Adoration and Thanksgiving Day was conceived as a unifying spiritual platform to strengthen collective faith, resilience and identity in the face of contemporary challenges.
Several members of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo NEC were in attendance at the Enugu service, including Prince Okey Nwadinobi, Deputy President General; His Excellency Emeka Sibeudu, Secretary General, and his wife; Dr. Peter Mbam, Vice President General (Ebonyi); Prof. Fred Eze, Vice President General (Enugu); Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, National Publicity Secretary; Chief Okeagu Ogada, National Legal Adviser; Dr. Peter Aneke, National Treasurer; Mazi Bismark Orji, Assistant National Publicity Secretary; Mrs. Jane Nene Nwangele, Assistant National Financial Secretary; as well as the Ohanaeze Enugu State President, members of the state chapter and other stakeholders.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide described the maiden Igbo Adoration and Thanksgiving Day as a significant spiritual milestone, noting that it reinforces unity, faith and collective responsibility among Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora.
The organisation expressed optimism that the annual observance would continue to strengthen the moral, spiritual and cultural foundations of the Igbo nation.
