Anakwenze-led Ndigbo Diaspora Forum USA Pledges Multi-Media Studio for CIS’ Proposed Igbo Cultural Village Complex in Nsukka 

     BY SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

The Ndigbo Diaspora Forum USA, under the leadership of Nwachukwu Anakwenze, has disclosed its intention to donate a state-of-the-art multi-media studio to the proposed Igbo Cultural Village Complex of the Centre for Igbo Studies (CIS), University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

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Addressing members of the Forum during its regular fortnight meeting over the weekend, the convener of the CIS-UNN Igbo Confab Stakeholders’ Forum and Chairman of CISA Board of Presidents, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze (Onowu Abagana), observed that the partnership reflects the shared vision of preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the Igbo culture within Igbo Homeland, Diaspora, and the wider global community.

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They explained that the multi-media studio would serve as a hub for producing and broadcasting content that showcases the diverse facets of Igbo culture, history, music, dance, language, and traditions.

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“With this significant contribution, the Ndigbo Diaspora Forum aims to provide a platform for educating, engaging, and connecting both the Igbo community and the broader audience interested in learning about the vibrant culture of Ndigbo”, they said.

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“We are excited to collaborate with the Centre for Igbo Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka on this transformative project,” stated Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze, the leader of Ndigbo Diaspora Forum.

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“By establishing a multi-media studio within the proposed Igbo Cultural Village Complex, we are enabling future generations to connect with their heritage in innovative ways and ensuring the longevity of Igbo culture on the global stage”, he said.

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Responding, the Director of Centre for Igbo Studies (CIS), University of Nigeria, and Convener of 2023 Maiden CIS-UNN International Conference on Igbo studies, Prof Chris Uchenna Agbedo, said, “the Igbo Cultural Village Complex, is an initiative of CIS, which seeks to serve as a learning and resource centre that will feature exhibition spaces, performance venues, traditional architecture, and immersive educational programmes that highlight the richness and diversity of Igbo traditions.

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“The inclusion of a multi-media studio will enhance the Complex’s ability to reach a wider audience and engage with various generations of Ndigbo in Homeland and Diaspora”, he added.

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“We are deeply grateful for the commitment of CIS-UNN Igbo Confab Stakeholders’ Forum and the convener, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze to the noble vision of the Igbo Cultural Village Complex.

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“Their invaluable contribution in the form of a multi-media studio aligns perfectly with our mission to promote and preserve the Igbo language and cultural heritage while fostering cultural understanding and appreciation”, Agbedo stated.

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Also, speaking during the virtual meeting of the Stakeholders’ Forum, the President of Council of Igbo States in Americas (CISA) and Chairman of Strategic Committee of the Ndigbo Diaspora Forum on Crowdfunding for CIS’ Igbo Cultural Village Complex, Engr James Ogbuka Umekwe, observed that the Forum will take time to conduct due diligence on companies that would be contacted for the supply of cameras, audiovisual equipment and other basic accessories for the setting-up of the multi-million Naira multi-media outfit for CIS’ Igbo Cultural Village Complex, UNN.

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Other prominent members of the Ndigbo Diaspora Stakeholders’ Forum that added both moral and financial support for the multi-media initiative present at the meeting included a Super Lion and Emeritus Professor of Ethno-Musicology, Western Kentucky University, Virginia, USA, Dr Johnston Akuma Kalu Njoku (Ticha), Head of Heritage Institute of Igbo World Assembly and Founder, Igbo Farm village Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia; Dr Josephine Amaka Aguoji, Vice President, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Nze Amadiebube Mbaama (President Emeritus, CISA).

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Also in attendance were High Chief Dr Emma Obiesie, Professor/Dean School of Business, Okan International University & Davie Florida USA/Turkey;  Hon Chudi Asidianya (CISA Emeritus President and CEO, CA-MPR Inc, Ontario Canada); Prof Douglas B. Chambers (Executive Director, Igbo History Foundation, LLC, USA), Prof Kevin J. Hales (University of Missouri, Columbia, USA), Dr. Sidney Louis Davis (Director, Igbo Landing Project, Boston Massachusetts), High Chief Dr. Napoleon Onyechi, (CEO West Lake Pharmacy Inc. Florida, USA and Oba Odezuluigbo Abagana), Prof Francis Nwonwu (CEO, Research & Development Consulting, (Pty) Pretoria SA), Engr. Oliver Obinna Nwankwo (Netherlands).

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Other members of the Ndigbo Diaspora Forum included Chigbo Anyaso (President, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Ethiopia), Anthonia Uju Okoye (Youth Director, Igbo Union of Washington State, Inc.), Emma Nwatah (ASA-USA Board member, Chicago), Chief Julius Osakwe (President Emeritus, Ohaneze Ndigbo, South Africa), and Emeka Onuma (CISA Youth Leader, Belgium).

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The partnership between Ndigbo Diaspora Forum and the Centre for Igbo Studies (CIS), University of Nigeria signifies a significant step forward in the preservation of Igbo heritage within the Igbo Homeland and Igbo communities worldwide.

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The multi-million Naira state-of-the-art multi-media studio for the proposed Igbo Cultural Village Complex of Centre for Igbo Studies, UNN will serve as a lasting testament to the dedication of the Igbo community to sharing their culture’s vibrancy with generations to come.

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The master plan for the establishment of the Igbo Village Complex will be unveiled during the opening ceremonies of CIS-UNN maiden International Conference on Thursday, 17 August 2023 at Princess Alexandria Auditorium (PAA), University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

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Recall that the Director, CIS, Prof Agbedo had in his earlier chat with newsmen in his office during the week disclosed that the opening ceremonies, which will be chaired by the Los Angeles-based medical practitioner and former PDP presidential aspirant, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze (Onowu Abagana), will feature keynote speech by the former Director of Centre for Igbo Studies, and Professor of Linguistics & Igbo Studies, Lady Gabriella Ihuarougo Nwaozuzu.

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Lead paper presentations by top-notch academics and researchers, including Peter Akah (Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology, UNN and former IMSU Vice Chancellor), Dr Emma Obiesie, (Okan International University & Davie Florida USA/Turkey), Cecilia Eme (Professor of Linguistics, Unizik, Awka), Toochukwu Omemma (Professor of Political Science, UNN & Berlin University of Technology, Germany), Ogbonna Onuoha (Professor of Linguistics & DVC, ABSU), among others.

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The grand event will equally feature prize-giving to deserving individuals that have impacted positively on the Igbo language and cultural heritage through their distinguished careers in the academia, business, private and publish leadership positions, media, entertainment industry, and other various fields of human endeavour.

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The Director and management of Centre for Igbo Studies, UNN heartily invite Ndigbo, Nigerians and indeed the entire world to the epoch-making event to be declared open by the Chief Host and Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Prof Charles Arizechukwu Igwe.

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The 2023 Maiden International Conference of the Centre for Igbo Studies, UNN promises to be a ravishing banquet and celebration of rich cultural heritage of Ndigbo to be midwifed by a harvest of cerebral academics and culture enthusiasts.

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Prof Agbedo the Director, Centre for Igbo Studies, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Igbo language and cultural heritage said they are on the move, urging  everyone to join the bandwagon!”