Mathew Amaechi
The Governor of North Carolina, Josh Stein, has officially declared June 14, 2025, as “Igbo Day” across the state, in recognition of the vibrant culture, rich heritage, and numerous contributions of the Igbo community—an ethnic group originating from southeastern Nigeria.
According to a proclamation published on the state’s official website, the move celebrates decades of the Igbo people’s presence in North Carolina, where many have lived, worked, and thrived for more than 50 years.
“There are thousands of Igbo people in North Carolina,” the proclamation states, “some of whom have lived here for over fifty years.” It acknowledges the community’s strong commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural identity, and highlights efforts to foster unity, support, and intergenerational connection within the diaspora.
Governor Stein praised the Igbo community for its deep integration into North Carolina’s social fabric—citing contributions in public service, entrepreneurship, healthcare, education, and civic life. “They thrive in fields such as education, entrepreneurship, law, medicine—including roles as doctors, nurses, pharmacists—information technology, and art,” he noted.
Beyond professional achievements, the proclamation also recognized the community’s charitable initiatives and civic involvement, including volunteering in schools, adopting highways, supporting women’s shelters and hospitals, and participating in local festivals with cultural performances.
A key milestone in this journey was the founding of the Igbo Day Festival Organization in 2022. The nonprofit, created by members of the local Igbo diaspora, has since served as a platform to promote cultural awareness, bring families together, and educate the broader public about Igbo traditions, art, music, and values. The inaugural Igbo Day Festival was held on July 10, 2022.
Their collective vision, the proclamation stated, is to build “a thriving community that not only honours and promotes the rich heritage of the Igbo people of Nigeria in North Carolina, but also serves as a beacon of unity, support, and cultural pride.”
In concluding the official proclamation, Governor Stein called on all residents of the state to join in the celebration and recognition of the Igbo community.
“I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2025, as ‘IGBO DAY’ in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens,” the document read.
The declaration marks a historic moment for the Nigerian-American community, particularly the Igbos, whose journey from migrants to community builders is now officially etched into the cultural calendar of the state.
