By Ikenna Nwokedi
History was made on Friday, 4th April, 2025 as the Directorate of Igbo Village and Institute of African Heritage Studies (IVIAHS), Nnamdi Azikiwe University in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Anambra State unveiled the 2025 UNIZIK Igbo Calendar on the occasion of the 2025 UNIZIK Igu Aro festival.
The colourful event which took place at the ASUU UNIZIK Secretariat saw the cream de la cream and custodian of the rich Igbo cultural heritage and traditions converge for the annual programme in the ivory tower.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Ichie Damian Afam Okeke-Ogene stated that the Igbo race has a rich culture that brings the tribe together and there is a need to constantly celebrate events such as Igu-Aro to protect the heritage and values of Ndigbo. Ichie Okeke-Ogene who was represented by the Traditional Ruler of Ifitedunu, HRH Igwe Dr. Emeka Iluno commended IVIAHS for being at the forefront of promoting Igbo cultural values and ideologies, he called for support towards the actualization of the Igbo Village project in the University.
Declaring the event open during his address, UNIZIK Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu informed that the mission of the Directorate of Igbo Village and Institute of African Heritage Studies from inception is to research on, revive and revitalize Igbo language and culture in the context of contemporary times and to promote and propagate same in tandem with African Civilization.
Prof. Ikechebelu described Igu Aro Festival as an epochal event marking the Igbo Calendar calculation from pristine times which ushered in the Igbo new year. The acting VC emphasized that the basic units of the Igbo Calendar are a 4-day week comprising Eke, Oye, Afor and Nkwo which are still the market days in different igbo communities.
Prof. Ikechebelu commended Rev. Fr. Prof. Bonachristus Umeogu and his team for promoting igbo’s cultural values and heritage through programmes such as Iri-ji UNIZIK, Ohazurume Igbo festival and Igu-aro UNIZIK Festival towards actualizing the mandate of the centre.
The Director of IVIAHS, Rev. Fr. Prof. Bonachristus Umeogu in his address stated that the IVIAHS stands as a beacon of Igbo identity, knowledge and civilization through research, intellectual movement and revolutionary step toward reclaiming Igbo knowledge systems. The scholar reiterated that Igu-aro festival is an occasion celebrated across the globe in diverse forms akin to their cultural values. Fr. Umeogu averred that it is time for the igbo people to rise, unite and invest in their heritage.
The Ogu Aro and Traditional ruler of Enugwu-Ukwu and Umunri, HRM Igwe Sir Ralph Ekpe described Igu Aro festival as a means of counting, proclamation and forecasting the year by the Chief Priest who is a King.
The monarch who was represented by the Traditional Prime Minister of the Community gave a brief history of Igu Aro which started with the creator and has metamorphosed into ‘Igu Aro Igbo’ which is now a common practice within Eri Dynasty, Umunri Clan and the Igbo nation. The Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri affirmed that Igu Aro toes the divine line that to everything there is a season, and a time for everything under the earth.
The Igu Aro festival also featured presentation of UNIZIK 2024/25 Academic Calendar (Igbo version) by UNIZIK Ag. VC, Prof. Ikechebelu; unveiling and launching of UNIZIK Igbo Calender 2025; inauguration of Igbo Village permanent site and presentation of awards.
The colourful event also featured cultural displays by Mbem Troupe, Umunwanyi Amawbia Dance Troupe, UNIZIK Cultural Troupe and Dragon Masquerade by Confucius Institute.
Dignitaries who witnessed the colourful Igbo sociocultural programme were traditional rulers, Igbo chieftains, captains of industries and members of the university community.
