…To hold int’l conference April 12 – 13
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Centre for Igbo Studies, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), in partnership with the Council of Igbo States in Americas (CISA); Igbo World Assembly (IWA); American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID); Respelling Obeah & Unuchi Foundation; has put a machinery in motion to revive, preserve and promote Igbo language and culture.
Consequently, they have scheduled a World Igbo Conference, scheduled to take place virtually from Friday, April 12 to Saturday, April 13, 2024 by 10:30 am West Africa Time.
The theme of the conference according to a statement by the Director, Centre for Igbo Studies cum Convener, CIS-UNN World Igbo Conference, 2024, Professor Chris Agbedo, is: “Bridging the Igbo Homeland-Diaspora Disconnect for transforming our present and future together.”
According to the statement made available to Ikengaonline, the 2nd World Igbo Conference aims to explore various aspects of Igbo culture, language, heritage, and socio-economic development.
“It will feature discussions on five associated themes crucial to the Igbo community, including Igbo language development, Igbo Cultural Village Complex (ICVC), economic empowerment, historical re-connection, and policy and advocacy,” the statement added.
The conference “offers a unique platform for scholars, researchers, policy makers, and community leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and chart a path for the advancement of the Igbo people worldwide.”
It will further afford the stakeholders the opportunity to chart the way forward for Igbo language, culture, and identity.
Participants can join via https://www.youtube.com/live/rd57p_ral0o?si=j8bt84ou4mtGTWaq
The statement read in part: “At the core of the conference lies a bountiful harvest of research presentations and panel discussions, showcasing the latest advancements in Igbo studies and cultural preservation efforts.
“Scholars and practitioners from around the world converge to share their insights, findings, and innovations, providing valuable insights and inspiration for the ongoing development of the ICVC project and CIS’s research agenda.
“Through interactive workshops, capacity-building sessions, and community engagement activities, the conference empowers participants with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to actively contribute to the preservation and promotion of Igbo language and culture.
“As a learning and research-based institute, CIS is committed to advancing knowledge, scholarship, and cultural understanding through its multifaceted programmes and activities.
“The World Igbo Conference 2024 exemplifies CIS’s core mandate by serving as a nexus for intellectual exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement, furthering the institute’s mission to enrich scholarly discourse and promote cultural heritage preservation.”
According to the statement, highlights of the conference include an opening address by the Chief Host and Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Prof Charles Arizechukwu Igwe; opening remarks by the Chairman, Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze; and a keynote address by the Distinguished Personality of the Day, His Excellency Dr Peter Mba, Governor of Enugu State.
Others include remarks by the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; and the President, Council of Igbo States in Americas, Dr Josephine Aguoji.
The statement said that the welcome address would be delivered by the Director of the Centre for Igbo Studies and Convener of the Conference, Prof. Chris Agbedo.
It further gave the unveiling of the 3-D rendition of the Master Plan of the multi-billion naira Igbo Cultural Village Complex (ICVC), as one of the highlights of the conference.
“This momentous occasion will be led by Hon. Ejiofo Asogwa, which symbolizes a significant step forward in the realization of this monumental cultural endeavour. This will be followed by fundraiser for the multi-billion Igbo Cultural Village Complex legacy project. In addition to the ICVC unveiling, the conference will feature the launch of the CIS-ICVC official website, providing a digital platform to showcase the richness of Igbo culture and heritage to a global audience.”
During the conference, there will be a joint presentation of 3 in-house journals and a book of 2023 Conference Proceedings of the Centre by Prof B. Chukwuma Ozumba (the 14th Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria); and Prof Gabriella Ihuarugo Nwaozuzu (former Director, Centre for Igbo Studies, UNN).
The statement further said that the stakeholders would engage in fruitful discussions and celebrate the richness of Igbo culture through the instrumentality of the 2nd World Igbo Conference, “which promises to be a transformative experience, bridging the gap between the Igbo homeland and the diaspora for a brighter future together.”
“The conference agenda is packed with engaging sessions, including keynote speeches by distinguished speakers, lead and commissioned paper presentations, and a thought-provoking panel session. These sessions will delve into critical issues facing the Igbo community, fostering dialogue, and collaboration towards meaningful solutions.
“In this regard, the keynote speeches will be delivered by Prof C.U.C. Ugorji – Department of Linguistics, University of Benin, Nigeria; and Prof Emeka T. Nwaeze – College of Business, The University of San Antonio, Texas USA; lead and commissioned paper presentations by Prof Kevin J. Hales, – Department of Communications, College of Arts & Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia USA; Rev Fr. Prof Francis Njoku – Department of Philosophy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof Claudette A. Anderson, – Founder, Respelling Obeah & Unuchi Foundations, Florida, USA; and Chief Oliver Nwankwor – European Union, The Hague, Netherlands.”
Others are Prof Anthony Ejiofor – Chairman Emeritus, World Igbo Congress, & Emeritus Professor, Tennessee State University, Nashville USA; Rev. Fr. Dr. Joe-Barth Chiemeka Abba – Bayern Munich, Germany; Dr Sidney Louis Davies, Jnr. – Director, Igbo Landing Project, Boston Massachusetts, USA; Douglas B. Chambers, – Assoc. Professor of History (rtd.), University of Southern Mississippi, USA & Executive Director, Igbo History Foundation LLC (USA); Prof Onyeke A. Onyeke (University of Abuja); and Dr. Chigozie Nweke-Eze (University of Bonn, Germany); as well as panel session presentations by over 50 conferees.
According to the statement, the conference will equally feature special presentations from select individuals and groups including EziAda Ifeoma Nwadike, Founder & President, Ọgbakọ Ụmụnwaanyị Igbo Worldwide Foundation; Queen Mother Freda Paulino Sideroff, President & Founder, Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival, St. Vincent & Grenadines; Dr Law Emeka Modeme (UNAA-UK); Dr Daisy Nwaozuzu (Ọgbakọ Ndigbo UK); Chief Lady Aqueen Ibeto ‘Adabuzo’(Ọhanaeze Ndigbo UK); and Dr. Chido Nwangwu (Publisher, USAfricaonline), USA; and Ụmụ-Igbo Unite, USA.
