Centre for Igbo Studies, UNN holds maiden International Conference on August 15-18

     BY SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

The Centre for Igbo Studies, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has announced its forthcoming International Conference on reimagining Igbo Studies in the 21st Century Nigeria slated for August 15-18, this year.

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A statement by the Director of the Centre and Convener of the International Conference, Professor Chris Uchenna Agbedo, made available to Daily News Nigeria on Friday disclosed that the Conference would take place at Princess Alexander Auditorium, Nsukka Campus of UNN.

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According the statement,  “the aim of the conference is to provide a platform for scholars, researchers, experts, and enthusiasts to explore and discuss the current state and future directions of Igbo Studies in Nigeria and beyond.

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Parts of the statement further read:

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“The Igbo-English and in-house / virtual modes of presentations at the conference will feature thought-provoking keynote addresses, insightful lead paper and engaging plenary discussions, and panel session presentations, highlighting various aspects of Igbo language, culture, history, literature, religion, arts, and more.

“The Centre for Igbo Studies, UNN is committed to promoting and preserving the rich heritage of the Igbo people. The Centre strives to create a vibrant platform for intellectual discourse, cultural exchange, and community engagement.

“Through this conference, the research institute seeks to facilitate meaningful dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in Igbo Studies, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Igbo language, culture, and history.

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“Registration for the International Conference on Reimagining Igbo Studies is ongoing. Interested participants are encouraged to visit the conference website: www.unn.edu.ng/centre.igbostudies/  for more information and to secure their spot at this prestigious event.

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“Prior to the conference, a series of exciting pre-conference activities will be organised on Thursday 16th August 2023, at Freedom Square, UNN. These activities will include a Charity Walk for Igbo, New Yam & Mmanwu festivals, cultural carnival featuring wrestling competitions, fashion parade, oratorical performances, arts and crafts exhibitions. These events will provide attendees with a rich experience of Igbo culture and traditions.

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“The official opening ceremonies to be declared open by the Chief Host and Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Prof Charles Arizechukwu Igwe, take place on Thursday 17th August 2023 at the Princess Alexandria Auditorium (PAA), UNN.

“The Opening Ceremonies will be chaired by Onowu Abagana, Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze, a Los Angeles-based medical practitioner and CEO, Victorian Care Medical Group Inc. California, USA.

“The renowned cultural enthusiast and promoter of Igbo language and culture is also the Convener of the CIS-UNN ‘2023 Igbo Confab Diaspora Stakeholders’ Forum, USA, and the Chairman of the Board of Presidents of the Council of Igbo States in America (CISA).

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“Dr. Anakwenze’s notable achievements in healthcare delivery system and leadership roles in Igbo communities in homeland and Diaspora make him an ideal choice to preside over the epoch-making event.

“Under the chairmanship of Onowu Abagana, the opening ceremonies will set a tone of excellence, inclusivity, and cultural celebration as conferees, attendees, and guests look forward to inspiring speeches and insightful discussions in a cerebral atmosphere of intellectual engagements.

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“According to the programme of events, the opening ceremonies will set the stage for the engaging and enlightening sessions that will follow during the International Conference on Reimagining Igbo Studies, as scholars, business and industrial experts, researchers from various disciplines will come converge at Princess Alexandria Auditorium, UNN to explore new perspectives, discuss innovative approaches, and chart the course for the future of Igbo Studies in the 21st century Nigeria and beyond. Distinguished guests, renowned scholars, and prominent figures from the Igbo homeland and Diaspora are billed to grace the conference.

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“The International Conference on Reimagining Igbo Studies aims to foster dialogue, collaboration, and advancements in the field of Igbo Studies. Scholars, researchers, experts, and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds will converge to explore the current state and future prospects of Igbo language, culture, history, literature, arts, and more.

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“The lead paper presentations will feature a distinguished lineup of renowned scholars, each bringing their expertise and unique perspectives to the discourse on Igbo language, culture, history, and related fields.

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“The conference attendees will have the privilege of engaging with these influential scholars and benefiting from their insights.

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“Lead paper presentations will be made by renowned scholars, including Ticha Akuma Kalu Njoku (Emeritus Professor, Western Kentucky University, Virginia, USA) High Chief Dr. Emma Obiesie, (Professor & Dean, School of Business, Okan International University & Davie Florida USA/Turkey), Peter A. Akah (Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Nigeria), Prof Gabriella I. Nwaozuzu (former Director, Centre for Igbo Studies, UNN, Prof Toochi Omemma (Alexander von Humboldt Fellow & Berlin University of Technology, Germany), Prof Cecilia Eme (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka), Prof Ike Oluka (ESUT, Enugu), Douglas B. Chambers, PhD, Executive Director, Igbo History Foundation (LLC) USA, Prof Kevin J. Hales (University of Missouri Columbia, USA), Prof Ogbonna Onuoha (DVC, ABSU Uturu-Nigeria, Dr. Ferdinand Anikwe, among others.

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“These distinguished scholars will share their knowledge, research findings, and insights on various aspects of Igbo Studies, contributing to the overall discourse on the reimagining of Igbo Studies in the 21st century Nigeria.

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“To this effect, the International Conference on Reimagining Igbo Studies promises to be a platform for intellectual exchange, cross-cultural collaboration, and the exploration of innovative ideas in Igbo Studies.

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Also, it will feature series of exciting highlights during the opening ceremonies, one of which is fundraising initiative aimed at establishing a multi-billion Naira Igbo Cultural Village Complex.

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“This project, initiated by the Centre for Igbo Studies, and for which the Vice Chancellor, Prof Igwe has graciously approved a land space for its permanent site in Nsukka Campus, aims to create a dedicated space for the promotion, preservation, and celebration of Igbo language, culture, and heritage. The establishment of the Igbo Cultural Village Complex will provide a platform for cultural exchange, immersive acculturation and enculturation programmes, research, education, and community engagement.

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“As a research and resource centre, the proposed Igbo Cultural Village is dedicated to the research, documentation, promotion, and preservation of linguistic, literary, cultural, historical, religious, and social aspects of Igbo life. It will serve as a hub for academic excellence, fostering interdisciplinary studies and collaboration among scholars and researchers in the field of Igbo Studies.

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“Notable Nigerians, including business icons, captains of industry, estate developers, fintech experts, and great lovers and promoters of Igbo language and cultural heritage invited as special guests will have the opportunity to contribute to this noble cause and support the development of Igbo Studies.

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“Meanwhile, the Centre for Igbo Studies (CIS) had earlier put out a call for students’ competitive bidding teams for architectural and engineering designs of the proposed Igbo Cultural Village Complex, which aims to blend traditional Igbo architectural elements with modern engineering practices to ensure functionality, safety, and durability.

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“To this effect, CIS is interested in involving student architects and engineers who can contribute their innovative ideas and technical expertise to develop the architectural, structural, mechanical, quantity survey, and electrical designs for the Igbo Village complex. By actively participating in the bidding process for the Igbo Cultural Village Project, students can gain valuable academic and professional experiences that align with their programme of study.

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Apart from an offer of a financial incentive in the form of a cash prize of (N500,000.00), it provides them with an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cultural project while enhancing their skills, networking, and career prospects in the fields of environmental science, engineering, and technology.

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“This explains the CIS’ call for the students’ competitive bidding initiative, which opened on 4th July 2023 and will close on 4th August 2023. The final winner of the competition will be announced and the Award given during the opening ceremonies of the conference.

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“Furthermore, the opening ceremonies will feature Prizes/Awards for Excellence in recognition of the outstanding contributions made by notable Igbo people as well as associates, friends, and well-wishers towards the development of Igbo language, cultural heritage, and the entire Igbo land.

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“Esteemed individuals who have made meaningful and remarkable contributions to the preservation and promotion of Igbo culture, duly nominated for different categories of Prizes and Awards will be honoured during this opening ceremony. Their dedication and commitment to the advancement of Igbo Studies will be celebrated, serving as an inspiration to future generations.

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The CIS-UNN ‘2023 Igbo Confab will equally feature key members of the CIS-UNN ‘2023 Confab Stakeholders’ Forum, USA.

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“These esteemed individuals will be actively involved in the conference and fundraising efforts for the Igbo Cultural Village project. Engr. James Ogbuka Umekwe, President of the Council of Igbo States in America (CISA), will be present at the conference and play a significant role in supporting the fundraising initiatives for the Igbo Cultural Village project. Hon Chudi Asidianya, Emeritus President of CISA, will also lend his support and expertise to the cause.

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“Other distinguished personalities from the CIS-UNN ‘2023 Confab Stakeholders’ Forum, USA that will be part of this epoch-making event include Dr. Elizabeth Amaka Aguoji, Prof M. O. Ene (New Jersey), Nze Amadiaebube R. Mbaama (former CISA President), Chidoo Nwangwu, founder of USAfricaLive.com Houston Texas, etc.

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“Also, in the league of Ndigbo in Diaspora Network for CIS-UNN ‘2023 Igbo Confab are Dr. Chris Odezulu (US Army Corps of Engineers, Houston Texas), Emmanuel Ugwu (researcher, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Australia), Frank Mbah of Enugu USA Houston Chapter and Houston-based Attorney, Ozo Rich Igwegbu, Houston-based IT specialist, among others. Their involvement underscores the commitment of the Igbo diaspora in promoting and preserving Igbo language, culture, and heritage. Together with scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts from Nigeria and around the world, they will contribute to the success of the conference and the advancement of Igbo Studies.

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“The Chief Host and Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Prof Charles Arizechukwu Igwe is set to welcome conference participants, great lions and lionesses, distinguished Royal Highnesses of Ndigbo Traditional Rulers’ Council, Ndi Eze, Igwe, Nze na Ozo Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu-led Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ọha Nsukka led by High Chief (Dr) M. Agboeze, UNN Alumni led by its global President, Dr. Doris Okeke, to the great citadel of learning, the only University of Nigeria.

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“The Director, Centre for Igbo Studies, University of Nigeria, and convener, CIS’ Maiden International Conference, Prof Chris Agbedo, on behalf of the Central Planning Committee, expresses gratitude to individual and corporate sponsors and partners, including Council of Igbo States in Americas (CISA), Igbo World Assembly (IWA), Ohaneze Ndigbo, Ndi Ọzọ Igbo, CIS-UNN ‘2023 Confab Stakeholders’ Forum, Abuja, UNN Students’ Traditional Rulers Council, media partners – Zik FM, Umuahia, NTA, Radio Nigeria, Afia TV Network, Daily News Nigeria, among others.

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“He looks forward to receiving highly resourceful Ndigbo and associates from the four corners of the global community, who in their infinite wisdom, have resolved to be part of the landmark event – the Maiden International Conference of Centre for Igbo Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Ebe ọ na-akpọtụ!