The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has declared that it is poised to uplift Igbo culture and language in all the Igbo speaking states in the country.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural body also threw its weight behind the Ahiajoku lecture series, which will take place at Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Conference Centre, Owerri, on September 26, 2025.

President General of the body, Sen. John Azuta-Mbata, gave the nod during a visit by the Ahiajoku lecture Planning Committee to Ohanaeze Secretariat in Enugu.

pledged the cooperation of all Igbo speaking states to make the event successful.

Receiving the planning committee, Azuta – Mbata, accompanied by the Vice President (Enugu State), Prof. Fred Eze; National Treasurer, Dr. Peter Aneke; and National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu; said: “I hereby endorse the 2025 Ahiajoku Lecture Festival on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. We shall cooperate to ensure a successful festival. I will be there in person.”

He stated that the lecture series have served as avenues to deepen conversations among Igbo people in the Igbo speaking states, lamenting the UNESCO’s note of warning that Igbo language was endangered.

While calling for measures to uplift Igbo culture and language, he added: “The Bible says they that have ears, let them hear. We are encouraging studies and research on Igbo language and culture. We have set up a committee for that.”

He disclosed that his administration had instituted professorial endowment chairs in tertiary institutions to drive research activities in Igbo history, tradition, and language.

He commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for reviving the lecture series after being in limbo for many years.

“Extend my regards and gratitude to Governor Uzodimma. Any role we are expected to play, we shall gladly play it. Our people must be heard,” he said.

In his speech, the Director General of the Centre, and Secretary of the planning committee, Nze Ray Emeana, recalled the history of the lecture series, stressing that it included launching Igbo in worldview.

Emeana disclosed prominent Igbo intellectuals who had lectured in the intellectual event such as Professors Michael J. C. Echeruo, Chinua Achebe, Ben Nwabueze, Donatus Nwoga, Adiele Afigbo, Laz Ekwueme, and Barth Nnaji.

He noted that their contributions helped to establish Ahiajoku as Africa’s premier cultural festival of ideas, inspiring generations to reconnect Ndigbo with their identity.

He disclosed that the 2025 edition would be historic and symbolic, as it would mark the 45th anniversary and the 25th lecture in the series, commending Uzodimma for his passion for the cultural renaissance and his commitment towards bringing the lecture series back to life.

“At this moment, insecurity and the resultant economic downturn are the twin malaise confronting our people. This year’s theme is therefore urgent and timely,” he said.

The Guardian learnt that this year’s lecture would be delivered by Most Rev. (Prof.) Godfrey Onah, the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, on the theme, ‘The Future of Igbo Economy Amidst the Challenges of Insecurity: A Call for Paradigm Shift.’ (The Guardian)