Presidential Address by Chief Dr.(Mrs) Josephine Uzoamaka at the 2025 Igbo World Festival

AN ADDRESS PRESENTED BY CHIEF DR. (MRS) JOSEPHINE UZOAMAKA AGUOJI, DURING THE 12^TH IGBO WORLDWIDE FESTIVAL OF ART AND CULTURE ON 25^TH AND 26^TH JULY 2025 AT IGBO LANDING ST. SIMONS ISLAND GEORGIA, USA.

Great progressive pillars of Igboland!

Distinguished CISA family!

Ohanaeze,ekene m unu!

It is with immense joy and profound gratitude that I stand before you today as the President of the Council of Igbo States in Americas (CISA) to welcome you to the 12th Annual Festival of Art and Culturein this my 2^nd year of leadership and the 222 years since the heroic 1803 Igbo resistance at Dunbar Creek. This year, we gather under the powerful theme of “Reconnecting with Our Ancestors” at the historic site of Igbo Landing, a place that resonates deeply with our collective memory and rich cultural heritage.

The Festival of Art and Culture is not merely an event; it is a celebration of our identity, a reaffirmation of our values, and a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Igbo spirit. This festival serves as a bridge, connecting us to our roots, our ancestors, and each other, no matter where we find ourselves in the world.

The theme “Reconnecting with Our Ancestors” is particularly poignant as we stand on the sacred grounds of Igbo Landing, a site that symbolizes the strength and determination of our forebears. It is here that our ancestors made a profound statement about freedom and identity, choosing to embrace their heritage rather than succumb to the shackles of oppression. As we honor their legacy, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our culture and passing it on to future generations. Let us remember the importance of our youth. They are the torchbearers of our culture, and it is our duty to empower them with the knowledge and appreciation of their heritage. This festival will provide a platform for our young people to express themselves, to learn from their elders, and to take pride in their identity as Igbo people. By this, we can ensure that the stories of our ancestors continue to be told and celebrated for generations to come.

Over the next two days, we will immerse ourselves in the vibrant expressions of our culture.From the captivating performances of our traditional dancers and the mesmerizing displays of Igbo family values, arts, and our masquerades to the tantalizing flavors of Igbo cuisine and the elegance of our fashion, we will witness the beauty of our heritage come alive. Each performance, each dish, and each garment tells a story—a story of who we are, where we come from, and the values that bind us together as Ndi-Igbo.

In addition to the cultural displays, this festival will host yet again the highly emotional reconnection ritual and naming ceremony, which binds the African Americans who traced their ancestry to Igbo land through DNA testing to their Igbo siblings and their Igbo homeland.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly to make this festival a reality. To the planning Committee, volunteers, and members, your dedication and commitment are truly commendable.Daalunu! Permit me to use this medium and opportunity to thank all those who have sustained CISA through their generous donations. Your unflinching contributions are the lifeblood of CISA, enabling us to continue our mission of preserving and promoting Igbo culture. It is through your support that we can organize events like this enabling us to feed all attendees for lunch and dinner these two days, free of charge.Jidenukaunuji! Ifeomamebeluunu!

I also wish, in a big way, to acknowledge the royal presence of His Majesty EzeChukwuemekaEri (Ezeora the 34^th and Eze aka jiovo Igbo), the illustrious royal fathers here, CISA Board Chairman, Dr. NwachukwuAnakwenze (Regent of Abagana town) , CISA Vice Board Chairman, OnyeNzeAmadiebubeMbama, CISA Board Advisor Dr. Napoleon Onyechi (Oba OdezuluigbonaAbagana), all members of CISA Board of Governing Council Directors, all CISA DSG’s, CISA past Presidents, and all those who believed in us and responded to our call for this celebration.Chukwuokikegozieunu!

I would like to also extend an invitation to all Attendees to join us again on 12^th December, 2025 at the University of Nigeria Nsukka where the Center for Igbo Studies (CIS) UNN will be hosting CISA and other Organizations, Associations, Individuals here in the USA and on the ground on a festival of this nature to showcase the beauty and richness of Igbo culture, providing an opportunity for those who couldn’t attend this summer event here in the USA to participate.

In closing, I invite you all to fully engage in this festival and connect with one another.Welcome to Igbo Worldwide Festival of Art and Culture 2025!

Council of Igbo States in Americas…

One People, One Voice, One Destiny!

Udo diriunu!

Chief Dr. (Mrs) Josephine UzoamakaAguoji

(IruUgegbe/Ochinudo)

President, Council of Igbo States in America (CISA)

2024 – 2025

Programs & Initiatives

Testimonials

Igbo Village, Virginia

The visit to Igbo Village was very educational in many ways. The environments of the area was realistic, which helped when obtaining the facts given. It was entertaining, especially with the different dances presented from groups across the country.

Dumebi Ejikeme, Atlanta, GA, USA

Atlanta Igbo School

Virginia Trip

I liked the dances and different group performances. I liked the first Gala Night because I was able to dance to the music the DJ was playing. I also liked the masquerades. I had a lot of fun there.

Chikosolu Ejikeme, Atlanta, GA, USA

Atlanta Igbo School

My Trip to Virginia (Igbo Village) -1

We met many other Igbo dancing groups from America. We mingled with them and ended up having a great time. . . and then we danced and got the best reaction from the crowd. That was an amazing experience for me. Right after our performance, our group was interviewed. Read more “My Trip to Virginia (Igbo Village) -1”

Akumano Okafor, Atlanta, GA, USA

Atlanta Igbo Schoo

I am Igbo!

I am here to bring other DNA tested African descendants that have learned their ancestry back home. It is our responsibility to make sure that we connect with our family, to learn where we come from . . . And now all you have to do is point me in the right direction because we are coming home. Read more “I am Igbo!”

Chief Anyanwụ Ututu aka Chinyere Njoku Eri

DNA Tested Africans

Igbo Village Virginia Trip -2

Each dance group came with beautiful dance uniforms and you could tell each group had their own style of dance; some were made up Nigerian dances, traditional dances or dances that were able to incorporate both. Read more “Igbo Village Virginia Trip -2”

Elizabeth Orusa, Atlanta, GA, USA

Atlanta Igbo School

Time to Connect Has Arrived

This event is very significant because it represents a healing. It represents a reconnection. It represents a reunification of people – our brothers and sisters born in Africa and those of us born in this country (USA). We are coming together. The time to heal is here. The time for us to connect as communities… Read more “Time to Connect Has Arrived”

Sidney Davis (Igbo name "Eluomuno" I've arrived home)

Igbo Village Virginia Trip -1

I like the Igbo Village because it actually looked like a real representation of how houses looked like in a village in Nigeria. From the sand, to the type of pots, to the instruments that were there all reminded me of the time I went to visit Nigeria with my own family. Read more “Igbo Village Virginia Trip -1”

Elizabeth Orusa, Atlanta, GA, USA

Atlanta Igbo School

Virginia Trip Essay

My trip to Virginia was very fun, exciting, and educational. I got to learn more about where I come from and the way we dress and different things like that. I learned a lot at the Frontier Culture Museum [Igbo Village]. Read more “Virginia Trip Essay”

Ifenlota Ejikeme, Atlanta, GA, USA

Atlanta Igbo School

We were Divided and Separated

Because of the strong spirit of the Igbos, of us, we have prevailed over the centuries. We continue to thrive. We continue to grow. As long as you stay together and teach us, we will be a people of strength. We will be a people of pride. We will be a people to be reckoned with through all time. Read more “We were Divided and Separated”

Ophie Kier, Vice Mayor

City of Staunton, Virginia, USA

My Experience at Igbo Village -2

My favorite part of my trip to Igbo Village was getting to perform with my dance group, Focus Children School, at the Worldwide Igbo Cultural Festival. Getting to perform on such a large platform really boosted our sense of unity and friendship . . . We still talk about our experiences in Virginia.

Julian Ogbonna, Atlanta, GA, USA

Focus Children School

Igbo Village Trip Summary/Opinion

When we performed our dance, we had the very best crowd reaction. Everyone in attendance loved Atlanta Igbo School. They shouted our name and the moment felt uplifting. I thank our Antie Queenette for including and teaching boys how to dance African dance.

Anthony Ogbonna, Atlanta, GA, USA

Atlanta Igbo Sschool

Igbo Village Virginia Trip -3

One thing I will not forget is how when we performed, everyone was on their feet and cheering us on and the crowd was so loud for us . . . More than anything, the dance performances, the masquerade, skits were my favorite part of the trip. Read more “Igbo Village Virginia Trip -3”

Elizabeth Orusa, Atlanta, GA, USA

Atlanta Igbo School

My Experience at Igbo Village -1

I could tell that building this exhibit was not a simple task. Even the mud used to build the homes was shipped from the home country itself. The hard work and dedication of the creators of this exhibit is shown in the careful detailing of the Village. Even live animals were brought to enhance the… Read more “My Experience at Igbo Village -1”

Julian Ogbonna, Atlanta, GA, USA

Focus Children School

My Trip to Virginia (Igbo Village) -2

This event really opened my eyes to see how beautiful our culture is. From the music to the dancing to the food and clothes, they all played an important role in Igbo culture. When we came back home from our trip I took it upon my self to learn more about our culture. Read more “My Trip to Virginia (Igbo Village) -2”

Akumano Okafor, Atlanta, GA, USA

Atlanta Igbo School

My Igbo Village Experience -2

I appreciate what CISA has done and I want to thank them for inviting us to be a part of this Igbo Village experience. We learned so much about our culture that we never knew and for that I am grateful and would love to go again. It is something I will never forget.

Chichi Ohaya, Atlanta, GA, USA

FCO/AIS

Virginia (Igbo Village) Trip

But the one that I liked the most out of all the things we did, was the party. I definitely enjoyed it. We all had a great time jamming to the music, meeting new people, and going to a lot of places. For the most part this trip was extraordinary. I thank all the people that put the Igbo Village together. Read more “Virginia (Igbo Village) Trip”

Chidozie Ohaya, Atlanta, GA, USA

Atlanta Igbo School

A taste of home . . . Igbo Village

I felt that the Igbo Village had the chance to be a very enjoyable and successful trip that would not only better my knowledge on Igbo Culture but also help me bridge long lasting and fond memories. I thank the people that put Igbo Village together where we can come together to celebrate our culture. Read more “A taste of home . . . Igbo Village”

Chigozie Amaeze, Atlanta, GA, USA

Focus Children Organization

Our Ancestors Must be Applauding

The family of Amadi O. Amadi congratulates CISA for the wonderful job of cultural renaissance they have since embarked upon in the Americas. Our Ancestors must be applauding you!

Amadi O. Amadi

Ohanaeze, South Africa

Keep Up the Good Work!

The graceful and purposeful Ogene Women of Northern Virginia, USA commend ndi CISA (CISA members) for hosting the 2018 Igbo World Festival of Arts and Culture here in Staunton, Virginia. We are proud of what you are doing for our children and their future – promoting and sustaining Igbo language and culture. Jisie nu ike… Read more “Keep Up the Good Work!”

Lolo Ngozika Okpo, President

Ogene Women of Northern Virginia, USA

My Igbo Village Experience -1

We started having 2-3 hour practices every Sunday to ensure that we would be prepared to amaze everyone at Igbo Village. . . I had such a great time with my fellow youths and this experience made us all become even closer.

Chichi Ohaya, Atlanta, GA, USA

FCO/AIS

Chisom Commends CISA

I will also thank the CISA people, and I appreciate that they have put this place [Igbo Village] together for us all. It allows to further connect with our culture. It also gives us the opportunity to meet others in our community that we may have never been able to see before. I hope that… Read more “Chisom Commends CISA”

Chisom Amaeze, Atlanta, GA, USA

Focus Children Organization

Presidential Address by Chief Dr.(Mrs) Josephine Uzoamaka at the 2025 Igbo World Festival

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