The Imo State Government has officially announced a new date for the postponed annual Ahiajoku Lecture Series. The event, which was shifted twice in 2025, is now scheduled to take place in the first quarter of 2026.
New Date and Legislative Push for Ahiajoku Centre
Addressing journalists in Owerri over the weekend, the Director-General of the Ahiajoku Centre, Nze Ray Emeana, provided these updates. He also revealed a significant legislative move: Governor Hope Uzodimma will soon forward a bill to the Imo State House of Assembly. This bill aims to formally establish the Ahiajoku Centre by law, defining it as a pan-Igbo institution and outlining its funding structure and activities.
The annual lecture series is a major intellectual and cultural event for the Igbo people. It was inaugurated in 1979 by the administration of the late Chief Sam Mbakwe. To date, 28 editions have been held, featuring esteemed scholars from the seven Igbo-speaking states: Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Delta, and Rivers.
Reason for Postponement and Future Plans
Nze Emeana explained that the lecture, originally planned for November 2025, was rescheduled due to the tense socio-political climate at the time. He specifically cited the peak of Nnamdi Kanu's trial and related circumstances as contributing factors. The decision, though difficult, was made to allow tensions to subside.
The originally slated guest lecturer, Bishop Godfrey Igwebuike Onah of the Nsukka Catholic Diocese, will still deliver the address. His paper is titled "The Future of Igbo Economy Amidst the Challenges of Insecurity: A Call for Paradigm Shift." Emeana confirmed that the regular November slot will be maintained in 2026, with Governor Uzodimma set to unveil the next lecturer.
Revitalising a Cultural Legacy
Under Emeana's leadership, the Ahiajoku Centre is undergoing a significant revival. He reported that massive renovation work has been completed on the centre's structure and its surroundings. Furthermore, he is actively collaborating with the commissioners for culture from the seven Igbo states, who are all part of the lecture's planning committee, emphasizing its pan-Igbo nature.
Plans are also in motion to honour all 28 past lecturers, as well as posthumously recognise the founder, Sam Mbakwe. Other honourees will include Am. Guis Anoka, Chief I.D. Nwoga, and Dr Ihechukwu Madubuike.
The centre's expansion includes several ambitious projects that have already commenced:
- A research and tradition section.
- A digital library.
- A three-volume compendium of all lectures from 1979 to 2019.
- A museum gallery and the Echeruo Exhibition Hall.
- A platform for preparing traditional soups and a yam barn.
- Revival of the Ezeji (yam) festival to encourage farmers.
- Post-lecture seminars and workshops.
- A fan club and registration for contributors.
To ensure sustainability and gather ideas, the DG has undertaken outreach tours to countries like Germany and the United Kingdom, where he engaged with prominent members of the Igbo diaspora. He noted that the responses and support from these communities have been overwhelmingly positive.
Emeana strongly dismissed any notions that the Ahiajoku Lecture is a fetish enterprise, reiterating that its core purpose is to showcase the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of the Igbo people.
