CISA Global Cultural Fiesta Draws Enthusiasts to Nigeria 2025 says Dr. Aguoji

As the 11th edition of CISA Worldwide Cultural Festival held in Georgia, USA drew to a close, its first female president, Dr. Josephine Uzoamaka Aguoji, made a landmark declaration that would bring the world to Nigeria’s doorsteps writes KASIE ABONE

The Council of Igbo States in Americas (CISA) have concluded plans to host a maiden edition of its highly esteemed Igbo Worldwide Festival of Arts and Culture in Nigeria. This remarkable development was announced by CISA President, Dr. Josephine Uzoamaka Aguoji, at the 2024 edition of the annual festival held in Georgia, USA. As the pioneering female president of CISA, Dr. Aguoji aims to facilitate access for Igbos in Nigeria to fully engage with the festival, which is consistent with the “think home” philosophy of the Igbo people.
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Dr. Aguoji, who also wears the traditional title of Ochinudo (a peaceful leader) has pledged to work with the Igbo diaspora and other relevant agencies to promote Igbo cultural heritage worldwide. The move, she said, was in line with her vision for CISA built on her wealth of experience in educational administration, public service, and community building.

Moving the 11 year old festival to Nigeria was a landmark development in promoting Igbo arts, language, and culture across the globe. By partnering with other organizations, CISA aims to create transformative and memorable experience for guests.
Theme of the 2024 edition of the Igbo World Festival, themed “Celebrating the Resilience of Igbo Culture: Past, Present and Future,” evokes strong emotion with the Igbo people’s resilience, inner fortitude and propensity for excellence.

Observing Pivotal 11th Anniversary of Igbo Landing
The proceedings opened with a ritual honouring the Igbo Landing’s historical significance at Dunbar Creek, St. Simons Island, Georgia, USA. The Royal Father of the day, His Majesty, Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, performed the breaking of kolanut ritual, praying for peace, goodwill, sound health, wisdom, and prosperity for all Ndi Igbo and their descendants worldwide. Eze Eri, who is the traditional ruler of Enugwu-Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, extolled the noble sacrifice and heroic acts of Igbo Landing brave martyrs, whose courageous acts were esteemed as salvific and redemptive. Other esteemed elders who accompanied Eze Eri in performing the opening ceremony included Onowu Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze and numerous others. He harped on the need to build a monument at the sacred Igbo Landing site to commemorate the Igbo warriors.

CISA’s Mission

In a statement made available to our correspondence, CISA Media and Publicity Director, Chief Mathias Mgbeafulu, explained that the festival aimed at promote Igbo cultural heritage, unity, and solidarity among Ndi Igbo worldwide. He listed other objectives of the festival to include among others tribute to Igbo resilience and accomplishments, recognition of Igbo Landing’s enduring legacy, unity and cultural renaissance.0
Day two of the festival showcased esteemed keynote speaker and inspiring insights by a line up of eminent personalities.
In his keynote speech, Prof. Apollos Nwauwa noted that the festival was a testament to the Igbo people’s strength and determination. He emphasized that despite facing immense challenges, the Igbo remain successful and vibrant.
CISA Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze harped on leadership and unity as a twin element in fostering peace and unity. He emphasized the importance of rotational leadership and called for the creation of Anioma State and a restructured Nigeria.
His Majesty Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, in his remark, praised CISA leadership for promoting Igbo traditional values and blessed all attendees, praying for the festival’s success and the well-being of their families. He called for sustaining Igbo language and culture, urging the Igbo diaspora to work together with one voice.
Dr. Claudette Anderson, a Jamaican of Igbo descent, focused on Igbo Calendar and civilisation. She highlighted the significance of the Igbo calendar, emphasizing its earth-based foundation, with Eke representing the sun, Orie for water, Nkwo for earth, and Afor for air.
Prof. Anthony Ejiofor listed doggedness, excellence, integrity, and high achievement as inherent characteristics of Igbo people.
Oba Odezuligbo, Chief Dr. Napoleon Onyechi, performed the Iwaji and Irijii ceremony, showcasing its importance in Igbo traditional life.
The festival climaxed with a poignant transatlantic reunion of African American families who discovered their Igbo ancestry through DNA testing. hearts were healed as thereconnection transcended time and space.
The crowning of Miss Chidindu Ojibe as the 2024 Igbo Festival Pageant Queen brought the festivals epic two days celebration to a memorable closure.
Captivating Igbo cultural activities, including dance, masquerade, music, arts, and crafts exhibitions, showcasing the Igbo lifestyle impressive special effects displays, top-notch musical talents, costumed cultural dance performances, art exhibitions showcasing Igbo heritage and traditional masquerade displays were also part of activities that kept attendees fully engaged and thrilled.
The 2024 CISA festival was indeed a grand celebration, bringing together enthusiasts and well-wishers from North America, Jamaica, South Africa, Germany, and Nigeria to honor the enduring legacy of the Igbo people’s ancestors as well as celebrate their rich culture, arts and resilience. Indeed, the ceremony was a testament to CISA’s commitment to promoting Igbo cultural heritage and unity among the Igbo people both at home and in diaspora.
The event was attended by dignitaries such as representatives from the Consulate in Atlanta, Brunswick City Manager McDuffie Regina, and Chief Ugo Onyemaobi. Other distinguised personalities in attendance were representatives of Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, Chief Dr. Napoleon Onyechi, Nze Amadiebube Mbama, Prince Eluemunu Sidney Davies, Prof. Douglas Chambers and Chief Ugonna John Greg.

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