Speech for the Igbo Festival of Arts and Culture London 2024

It is with total humility that we greet Your Royal Highnesses, Your Excellencies, the Ambassadors in our midst, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen. Ndi be anyi, ndeewo nu! I greet you all with the sincere greetings of peace. In my native Igbo Language, we say Udo Diri Unu Nine.May the peace of Chukwuokike Abiama be upon you all.

It is with great joy and pride that I stand before you today to celebrate the rich culture, tradition, heritage, and vibrant culture of the Igbo people. This festival is not just a gathering; it is a powerful affirmation of our identity, our history, and our collective spirit. The Igbo Festival of Arts and Culture in London is a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of our community. Though we are far from the lands of our ancestors, we carry with us the indomitable spirit of the Igbo people. We are here to honour our past, celebrate our present, and inspire our future. Our culture is a tapestry woven with threads of creativity, wisdom, and tradition. From the mesmerizing rhythms of our oja and ogene music to the intricate patterns of our dance; from the profound wisdom of our proverbs to the timeless beauty of our arts, women and youths, we are here to showcase the very best of what it means to be Igbo. 

This festival provides us with a unique opportunity to educate, engage, and entertain. It is a platform to share our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs. It is a chance for us to connect with each other, reconnect with our roots, and introduce the wider world to the richness of our culture, tradition, omenana, na egwu. As we immerse ourselves in the festivities, let us remember the values that define us as a people: community, friendship, togetherness, unity of purpose, resilience, and innovation. Let us celebrate our achievements and reflect on the journey that has brought us here. Let us honour the memories of those who came before us and paved the way for those who will follow. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has worked tirelessly to make this festival a reality. Your dedication and passion are the lifeblood of our community. To our elders, who pass down their wisdom and keep our traditions alive; to our artists, who capture the essence of our spirit; and to our youth, who carry forward our legacy with pride and promise – I salute you all. As we celebrate today, let us also look to the future. 

Let us envision a world where the Igbo culture continues to thrive, where our contributions are recognized and valued, and where our stories are told and retold for generations to come. A world where we develop our land, protect our women, cherish and adore our parents, and preserve the dignity of our nation. We must remember that our hope and confidence is in Chukwuokike Abiama, the supreme God of Ndigbo, without whom the wicked would have consumed us. In conclusion, I urge each one of us to embrace this moment, to celebrate with open hearts, joy, and happiness, and to take pride in our Igbo heritage. Together, we are not just preserving our culture; we are enriching the tapestry of human civilization. Thank you, and may this festival be a resounding success. Ndi Igbo kwenu! 

Mazi Obi Okoli-Ojeluigbozi 

Coordinator Congress of Igbo Leaders UK