North Carolina Governor Declares June 14 as ‘Igbo Day’ to Celebrate Nigerian Heritage
Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina has officially proclaimed June 14, 2025, as “Igbo Day” in recognition of the enduring cultural, economic, and civic contributions of the Igbo community across the state.
The proclamation honors the vibrant heritage of the Igbo people, who trace their roots to southeastern Nigeria. Thousands of Igbos currently reside in North Carolina—some having called the state home for over 50 years—and have become a vital part of its social, cultural, and economic landscape.
In a statement, Governor Stein praised the Igbo community for its significant involvement in public service, professional achievement, and cultural preservation. He noted that Igbos in the state have thrived in sectors such as education, law, medicine, entrepreneurship, information technology, and the arts. Many also serve at various levels of government, including state and federal institutions.
The governor commended the community’s philanthropic efforts, highlighting their volunteerism in local schools, food pantry drives, highway cleanup initiatives, and outreach work at women’s shelters and hospitals.
The proclamation also acknowledged the creation of the Igbo Day Festival Organisation in 2022, a nonprofit formed to educate the public about Igbo traditions through art, music, language, and communal values. The organisation hosted its first festival on July 10, 2022, and has since worked to foster a strong cultural identity among younger generations of Igbos in North Carolina.
Governor Stein emphasized that the Igbo community is deeply committed to preserving its heritage while building a thriving and unified future.
“Through their collective efforts,” he stated, “the Igbo community aims to inspire future generations to embrace their identity and foster a strong sense of belonging and purpose within North Carolina.”
He concluded:
“Now, therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2025, as ‘Igbo Day’ and commend its observance to all citizens of the state.”
