10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE IGBO FESTIVAL OF ARTS AND CULTURE (IFAC) HELD IN LONDON

Your Royal Majesties, Distinguished Kings and Ezes, Honourable Mayors and Councillors, Esteemed Representatives of African Embassies, Ndi Ogbuehi, Ndi Ichie na Ndi Nze na Ozo Ladies and Gentlemen.

I greet you all with the sincere greetings of peace. In my native language, we say Udo diri unu.

It is with profound honour and deep gratitude that we stand before you this day to mark a truly momentous occasion; the 10th Anniversary of the Igbo Festival of Arts and Culture (IFAC).

Today is far more than a celebration. It is a remembrance. A tribute. This milestone reflects not only the rich heritage of the Igbo people but also the strength, sacrifice, and unyielding spirit that brought us here.

Ten years ago, this great festival was but a vision, a dream nurtured by twelve patriotic Igbo individuals who, through personal sacrifice and unwavering commitment, gave of their resources for four consecutive years to establish what we celebrate today. These pioneers laid the foundation of a cultural legacy that continues to flourish on foreign soil.

What began as a modest initiative has grown into one of the most distinguished cultural events in the African diaspora. It has become a platform where we honour the essence of Igbo identity, culture, tradition, and pride.

The journey has not been without difficulty. These ten years have demanded resilience, determination, and often, great personal cost. Yet, through every challenge, our community remained steadfast because we believed and continue to believe that preserving our culture is preserving our soul.

Today, we express our deepest appreciation to all those who believed in this vision. To the men and women, especially our noble Igbo mothers and fathers across the world whose tireless support and encouragement have propelled this festival forward, we say: Dalu nu. You are the silent architects of this historic moment.

We are equally grateful to our dignified guests from across the world representatives from African Embassies, UK Councillors and Mayors, as well as our brothers and sisters from Nigeria, France, Germany, Spain, the United States, South Africa, and Haiti Nno nu Thank you for standing with us and recognising the value of cultural exchange, unity, and heritage.

We are especially proud to see all the communities, clubs, and associations that will perform today. Their performances today reaffirm our connection to home, to ancestry, and identity.

As we look to the future, may this festival continue to serve not just as a celebration, but as a beacon of cultural and traditional preservation, a reminder to our youths of who we are, and a testament to the enduring strength of the Igbo spirit.

Let us continue to support, uplift, and promote our tradition and culture not just for ourselves but for the generations yet unborn.

On behalf of the Congress of Igbo Leaders UK and Ireland, we welcome you all once again, and thank you for being part of this extraordinary occasion.

May our culture thrive, may our unity be strengthened, and may the legacy of IFAC endure for generations to come.

Yours sincerely

Ekpe Mazi Obi Okoli-Ojeluigbozi Coordinator Congress of Igbo Leaders UK. Ezinwa Aro-Okigbo