2nd World Igbo Conference: Chief Iwuanyanwu, Others Endorse CIS-UNN’s Igbo Cultural Village Complex Project

  BY SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

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President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo,

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has thrown  his full support behind the Centre for Igbo Studies-UNN Centre’s legacy project, the Igbo Cultural Village Complex (ICVC).

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Iwuanyanwu made this known while  delivering a keynote address at the 2nd World Igbo Conference, held at the Centre for Igbo Studies, University of Nigeria Nsukka at the weekend.

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In his impassioned speech, Chief Iwuanyanwu hailed the ICVC project as a vital initiative for preserving and promoting Igbo culture and heritage. He emphasized the importance of such endeavours in fostering unity, identity, and pride among Ndigbo, both at home and abroad. The ICVC project aims to create a world-class cultural hub that showcases the rich history, traditions, arts, and crafts of the Igbo people. It will serve as a center for cultural exchange, education, research, and tourism, attracting visitors from across the globe. Chief Iwuanyanwu’s endorsement of the ICVC project resonated deeply with conference attendees, who applauded his commitment to advancing Igbo cultural preservation efforts. His support further bolstered the momentum behind the project, spurring increased enthusiasm and participation from stakeholders within the Igbo community.

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As the conference progressed, discussions surrounding the ICVC project gained prominence, with participants expressing eagerness to contribute to its realization. Chief Iwuanyanwu’s endorsement served as a rallying cry for unity and collaboration in achieving this shared vision of celebrating and preserving Igbo cultural heritage for generations to come. In a resounding display of leadership and advocacy, Prof. Charles Arizechukwu, Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), seized the spotlight at the 2nd World Igbo Conference to champion support for the monumental Igbo Cultural Village Complex. The project initiated by the Centre for Igbo Studies at UNN under the stewardship of Director Prof. Chris Uchenna Agbedo, has emerged as a beacon of cultural resurgence and pride. Addressing the esteemed gathering of Igbo scholars, activists, and enthusiasts, Prof. Arizechukwu, who was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof Romanus C. Ezeokonkwo, underscored the transformative potential of the Igbo Cultural Village Complex as a catalyst for preserving and promoting the rich tapestry of Igbo heritage. Against the backdrop of rapid cultural change and globalization, he emphasized the urgent need to safeguard the unique identity and traditions of the Igbo people. “The Igbo Cultural Village Complex stands as a testament to our collective commitment to honoring our past, celebrating our present, and shaping our future,” declared Prof. Arizechukwu. “As custodians of Igbo culture, it is incumbent upon us to rally behind this visionary project and ensure its success for the benefit of generations to come.”

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Prof. Chris Uchenna Agbedo, the driving force behind the initiative, expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support of Chief (Dr.) Iwuanyanwu, Prof. Arizechukwu, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze and his Ndigbo Diaspora Stakeholders’ Group as well as the broader UNN community, while presenting his welcome address. “The Igbo Cultural Village Complex represents a bold vision for the future of Igbo culture, and with the steadfast massive supports, we are poised to turn this vision into reality,” he affirmed.

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The Convener of the 2nd World Igbo Conference and Director, Centre for Igbo Studies, Prof Agbedo, noted that the multi-billion Naira ICVC legacy project “serves as a vibrant hub where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together to exchange ideas, celebrate our rich cultural heritage, and address issues of common interest. Through initiatives like the ICVC, we aim to bridge the gap between the Igbo homeland and the diaspora, forging stronger bonds that transcend geographical boundaries. “The ICVC represents more than just a physical structure; it embodies our shared heritage, values, and aspirations. It is a space where the bonds of kinship and solidarity are strengthened, where ideas are exchanged, and where collaborative efforts are nurtured to drive meaningful change and progress. The ICVC serves as a conduit for bridging the perceived gap between the Igbo homeland and the diaspora. “It provides a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding, enabling Ndigbo from diverse backgrounds to come together and work towards common goals. Through cultural exchanges, educational programmes, and community initiatives, the ICVC fosters a sense of belonging and unity among Ndigbo worldwide. “By investing in the ICVC, we are not only building a physical infrastructure but also laying the foundation for a more inclusive and interconnected Igbo community. It is a symbol of our commitment to preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage, while also embracing the opportunities and challenges of a rapidly changing world.“The multi-billion-naira ICVC legacy project encompasses approximately 15 structures, each serving a specific purpose intended to recreate a typical Igbo village setting within the confines of the University of Nigeria Nsukka. As a research, learning, and resource centre, ICVC initiative is intended to reconnect Ndigbo born and brought up in urban centres in Nigeria as well as in Diaspora with their linguistic and cultural roots. The key components of the complex meant to achieve the specific and overall objectives of the cultural centre include but not limited to the following: Administrative Building of CIS, Library, ICT, and Research Centre, Guest House, Museum, Amphitheatre, Igbo Kitchen, Skill Acquisition Workshop, Children’s Centre, Igbo Village Compound, Old People’s Home, Agricultural Resorts, Obi Eze (prototypical King’s Palace in Igbo land), Obi Ndigbo (Obi for each State in Southeast – Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo – and Delta Igbo, Rivers Igbo)”.

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Prof. Chris Uchenna Agbedo, the driving force behind the initiative, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support garnered thus far and reaffirmed the commitment of the Centre for Igbo Studies to realizing this transformative vision. “The Igbo Cultural Village Complex is not merely a monument to the past; it is a testament to our resilience and our determination to chart a bold course for the future,” he declared.

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Earlier in his brief opening remarks, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, urged the esteemed sons and daughters of Ndigbo to rally behind the Igbo Cultural Village Complex, a multi-billion-naira endeavour spearheaded by the Centre for Igbo Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), under the visionary leadership of Director Prof. Chris Uchenna Agbedo.

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Dr. Anakwenze, an iconic figure in Igbo scholarship, language, and cultural heritage, emphasized the critical importance of preserving the rich heritage of the Igbo people in an era of rapid globalization. The traditional Prime Minister of Abagana, Onowu Abagana articulated the imperative for collective support towards the realization of the Igbo Cultural Village Complex, which promises to serve as a dynamic hub for the promotion and sustenance of Igbo traditions, arts, language, and history. “The Igbo Cultural Village Complex represents more than just bricks and mortar; it embodies the essence of our identity, the soul of our community,” remarked Dr. Anakwenze. “In a world where cultural homogenization threatens to erode the distinctiveness of indigenous societies, it is incumbent upon us, the custodians of Igbo heritage, to safeguard and nurture our cultural legacy.” The innovative project aims to create a sprawling complex equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for research, education, performance arts, and cultural exchange. From interactive museums showcasing the vibrant tapestry of Igbo history to theatres resonating with the rhythm of traditional music and dance, the Igbo Cultural Village Complex aspires to be a dynamic nexus of cultural revitalization and innovation.

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As discussions unfolded at the 2nd World Igbo Conference, attendees including the President of Council of Igbo States in Americas (CISA), Dr (Mrs.) Amaka Aguoji, echoed the impassioned pleas of Chief (Dr.) Iwuanyanwu, Prof Igwe, Dr. Anakwenze, and Prof Agbedo, recognizing the imperative of investing in projects that empower future generations to embrace and celebrate their cultural heritage. With momentum building and stakeholders galvanized, the call to support the Igbo Cultural Village Complex resonates as a clarion call to action, inviting all who cherish the richness of Igbo culture to join hands in shaping a legacy worthy of generations to come. As the 2nd World Igbo Conference concluded, attendees echoed the collective calls to action, pledging their commitment to supporting the Igbo Cultural Village Complex as a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the Igbo people. With momentum building and stakeholders galvanized, the stage is set for a new chapter in the preservation and celebration of Igbo heritage.