The Igbo World Festival of Arts and Culture, held in Brunswick and St. Simons Island, Georgia, in 2025, served as a powerful testament to the enduring strength and global reach of the Igbo culture. The festival, organized by the Council of Igbo States in the Americas (CISA), brought together Igbo people and their descendants from across the diaspora, including Canada, South Africa, Nigeria, and the United States, to celebrate their shared heritage and reconnect with their ancestral roots. The event was punctuated by a range of cultural and intellectual displays, underscoring the richness and diversity of Igbo traditions. The city of Brunswick officially recognized the significance of the gathering by proclaiming July 25th and 26th as “Igbo Landing Day,” a gesture that acknowledged the historical and contemporary importance of the Igbo presence in the region.
At the heart of the festival was the theme of “Reconnecting with our ancestors,” a poignant reminder of the Igbo Landing, a historical event in which captured Igbo people chose death over enslavement, walking into the waters of Dunbar Creek in 1803. This act of defiance, a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Igbo people, resonated deeply with attendees, serving as a touchstone for discussions about cultural resilience and the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice. CISA President, Dr. Josephine Aguoji, emphasized the profound significance of this historical event, highlighting the strength and determination of the Igbo ancestors who made the ultimate sacrifice to maintain their freedom and dignity. The festival served as a platform for acknowledging this history and celebrating the enduring spirit it represents.
Senator John Azuta-Mbata, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, underscored the vital role of Igbo diaspora remittances in the economic development of the South-East region of Nigeria. He described these remittances as a “robust bedrock” and an “inevitable pillar of survival,” particularly during challenging economic periods. This statement highlights the significant economic contributions of the Igbo diaspora, demonstrating their continued investment in and commitment to the well-being of their homeland. Azuta-Mbata’s message emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties between the diaspora and the homeland, recognizing the mutual benefits of such connections.
Beyond the economic impact, the festival highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting Igbo cultural heritage. Azuta-Mbata commended CISA’s efforts in connecting Igbo descendants globally and fostering a deeper understanding of Igbo culture. He specifically praised the “emotional laden reconnection and naming ceremony rituals,” which symbolically linked African Americans of Igbo descent with their ancestral roots. These rituals served as powerful demonstrations of cultural continuity, bridging the gap between generations and across continents. They underscored the importance of preserving cultural traditions and passing them on to future generations, ensuring the survival and flourishing of Igbo identity.
While celebrating their rich heritage, the festival also provided a platform for addressing the challenges facing the Igbo people in their homeland. Azuta-Mbata acknowledged the prevailing insecurity in the region and highlighted Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s collaborative efforts with seven universities in Igbo-speaking states to promote Igbo language, culture, and history. This initiative underscores the importance of education in preserving cultural identity and fostering a sense of shared heritage. It also demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing contemporary challenges, leveraging the resources and expertise of educational institutions to promote cultural understanding and development. Azuta-Mbata called for a strengthened relationship with CISA to address the numerous challenges facing the Igbo people, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and collective action in achieving positive change.
The festival concluded with a powerful symbolic gesture: the cleansing and reconnection rituals performed by His Majesty Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, Ezeora the 34th of Eri kingdom, the Royal Father of the festival. This ceremony served to reinforce the connection between the diaspora and their ancestral homeland, underscoring the enduring power of tradition and the shared identity that binds Igbo people across the globe. The festival as a whole served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and vibrancy of Igbo culture, its ability to transcend geographical boundaries, and its continued relevance in the 21st century. The event demonstrated the importance of cultural preservation, the strength of diaspora communities, and the power of collective action in addressing contemporary challenges.
