Centre for Igbo Studies, University of Nigeria Nsukka (CIS-UNN) is set to host the second World Igbo Conference, virtually tomorrow and Saturday, April 13.
The event, according to Chris Uchenna Agbedo, professor of Linguistics, Director, Centre for Igbo Studies and Convener, CIS-UNN World Igbo Conference, 2024 is being organised in collaboration with partners, including the Council of Igbo States in Americas, Igbo World Assembly, American Veterans of Igbo Descent, Respelling Obeah and Unuchi Foundation.
Themed: “Bridging the Igbo homeland-diaspora disconnect for transforming our present and future together,” the 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 reconnection, and policy and advocacy. It offers a unique platform for scholars, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and chart a path for the advancement of the Igbo people worldwide.
The conference is expected to provide a dynamic platform for scholars, cultural practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders to come together and engage in meaningful dialogue on issues pertinent to Igbo language, culture, and identity.
By facilitating exchange of ideas, sharing of best practices, and forging new partnerships, the conference strengthens the network of stakeholders committed to advancing the ICVC project and CIS’s overarching mission.
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.
By fostering a sense of ownership and agency among stakeholders, the conference strengthens the collective impact of the ICVC project and CIS’s educational initiatives. 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. As the World Igbo Conference 2024 is few hours away, anticipation builds for the transformative impact it will have on the ICVC project, CIS’s research agenda, and the broader landscape of Igbo cultural preservation efforts. With its strategic focus on dialogue, collaboration, and empowerment, the conference reaffirms CIS’s commitment to serving as a leading institution of learning and research dedicated to advancing the cause of Igbo language and culture for generations to come.
The opening ceremonies of the conference promise to be enlightening and inspiring, with distinguished speakers and guests gracing the occasion.
Highlights include an opening address by the Chief Host and Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Charles Igwe; opening remarks by the Chairman, Nwachukwu Anakwenze; a keynote address by Peter Mba, governor of Enugu State; remarks by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (president general, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide), and Josephine Aguoji, president, Council of Igbo States in Americas.
The welcome address will be delivered by the Director of the Centre for Igbo Studies and Convener of the conference, Chris Agbedo.
One of the highlights of the conference will be the unveiling of the 3-D rendition of the master plan of the multi-billion naira ICVC. The occasion will be led by Ejiofo Asogwa, which symbolises a significant step forward in the realisation of the monumental cultural endeavour and followed by a 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.
Attendees can also look forward to exploring the latest in-house journals and book publications of the Centre for Igbo Studies, offering valuable insights into Igbo history, language, and tradition.
To this effect, there will be a joint presentation of 3 in-house journals and a book of 2023 conference proceedings of the centre by Chukwuma Ozumba (the 14th vice chancellor of the University of Nigeria) and Gabriella Nwaozuzu (former director, Centre for Igbo Studies, UNN).
CIS-UNN is set to bring together scholars, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders from around the world to 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.
The 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 C.U.C. Ugorji – Department of Linguistics, University of Benin, Nigeria and Emeka Nwaeze – College of Business, The University of San Antonio, Texas USA; lead and commissioned paper presentations by Kevin Hales, – Department of Communications, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia USA; Francis Njoku – Department of Philosophy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Claudette Anderson, – Founder, Respelling Obeah and Unuchi Foundations, Florida, USA; Oliver Nwankwor – European Union, The Hague, Netherlands; Anthony Ejiofor – Chairman Emeritus, World Igbo Congress, and Emeritus Professor, Tennessee State University, Nashville USA, Joe-Barth Abba – Bayern Munich, Germany, Sidney Davies, Jnr. – Director, Igbo Landing Project, Boston Massachusetts, USA, Douglas Chambers, – Assoc. Professor of History (rtd.), University of Southern Mississippi, USA and Executive Director, Igbo History Foundation LLC (USA); Onyeke Onyeke (University of Abuja); and Chigozie Nweke-Eze (University of Bonn, Germany); as well as panel session presentations by over 50 conferees.
The conference will equally feature special presentations from select individuals and groups, including Eziada Nwadike, Founder and President, Ọgbakọ Igbo Worldwide Foundation, Queen Mother Freda Paulino Sideroff, President and Founder, Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Emeka Modeme (UNAA-UK), Daisy Nwaozuzu (Ọgbakọ Ndigbo UK), Aqueen Ibeto ‘Adabuzo’ (Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK), and Chido Nwangwu (Publisher, USAfricaonline), USA, Ụmụ-Igbo Unite, USA.