The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has praised the proclamation of 14 June as “Igbo Day” by the Governor of North Carolina, Josh Stein, describing it as a testament to the patriotism and profound cultural influence of the Igbo people in the United States.
In a statement released by the Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa welcomed the recognition, referring to it as “a welcome development.”
Governor Stein formally declared 14 June 2025 as Igbo Day in the state of North Carolina, acknowledging the enduring presence and valuable contributions of the Igbo community throughout the region.
Dabiri-Erewa said the gesture “deserves accolade” for recognising the positive role played by the Igbo people both within and beyond the state. She also applauded the Igbo community in North Carolina for being exemplary ambassadors of Nigeria.
She encouraged other Nigerians living abroad whether as individuals or in groups to actively contribute to their local communities and embody the patriotic values that unite Nigerians, regardless of their geopolitical backgrounds.
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The proclamation places North Carolina among a growing number of US states honouring the African diaspora and the rich cultural diversity that strengthens their societies.
The declaration celebrates the vibrant heritage of the Igbo peopleNan ethnic group from South-Eastern Nigeria many of whom have been residents of North Carolina for over half a century.
Governor Stein remarked that the Igbo community’s “dedication to civic engagement, unity and cultural preservation makes them an invaluable part of the state.”
The proclamation also spotlighted the efforts of the Igbo Day Festival Organisation, which first held the celebration on 10 July 2022 to promote Igbo culture through arts, music, language, and community events, while preserving their traditions for future generations.
