The 2025 edition of Ikenga Day: A European Igbo Festival held on Saturday drew Igbo descendants from across the world in a vibrant celebration of heritage, unity, and cultural pride. Organized by The AfrikaFora, the festival reaffirmed its mission of promoting Igbo customs and traditions, strengthening global Igbo identity, and placing Alaigbo on the international spotlight.
The event featured a rich lineup of distinguished speakers and cultural leaders who addressed themes of unity, leadership, women empowerment, sports development, and intellectual renaissance. Among them was Chief Bennet C. Etiaba FCA, Principal Partner of Ben Etiaba & Co, who spoke on “Selfless Leadership na Ala Igbo: A Panacea for Igbo Resistance.” He emphasized that transparent and value-driven leadership remains key to repositioning the Igbo nation in global affairs.
Dr. Anthony Richards, a cultural heritage researcher from Antigua and Barbuda, delivered a lecture titled “Voices of Our Ancestors – Hidden Messages of Cultural Unity in the Trees.” He highlighted ancestral knowledge systems, spiritual connections within the African diaspora, and the role of indigenous wisdom in climate justice.
The festival also honored Obi Jossy Isioma Nwanna, the Omu of Ibusa, as Mother of the Day. In her address on “Inclusive Unity: The Role of Women in Igbo Progress and Unity,” she underscored the central role of women in fostering social cohesion, community development, and cultural preservation.
Another highlight was the presentation by sports administrator Nkechi Obi, who spoke on “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Women, Sports, and the Spirit of Alaigbo.” She shared insights on how sports can create economic opportunities, drive social inclusion, and build bridges across communities.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Nze Emeka Ed Keazor, lawyer, archivist, and historian, on “Taa Bu Gbo: The Imperative of an Igbo Indigenous Intellectual Renaissance.” He called for a revival of Igbo intellectual traditions and documentation of history as a pathway to global relevance.
Traditional rituals were observed, including the breaking of kolanut and libation by Professor Chidi Gideon Osuagwu, a biomedical scientist and cultural advocate. The festival also paid tributes to late cultural icons HRM Obi (Dr.) Martha Dunkwu, Omu Anioma and Ada Mazi Onyeka Onwenu, MFR, recognizing their immense contributions to Igbo heritage, women empowerment, and African arts.
AfrikaFora Patron, Collins Nweke, noted that Ikenga Day has become an enduring platform for Igbo descendants to reconnect, celebrate identity, and foster collaborations across borders. Founder of AfrikaFora, Winifred Uloaku Gaillard, reiterated that the festival is not just about culture but about positioning Africa to own its narrative on the global stage.
With themes of leadership, women empowerment, sports, intellectual rebirth, and cultural preservation, Ikenga Day 2025 reinforced its growing reputation as a global rallying point for Ndigbo and friends of Africa
