Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina has officially declared June 14, 2025, as “Igbo Day” across the state.
The proclamation honours the vibrant Igbo community, whose roots trace back to southeastern Nigeria.
With thousands of Igbo residents—some having lived in the state for over half a century—the community has become an integral part of North Carolina’s social, economic, and cultural fabric.
In a statement signed by Governor Stein, he stated that Igbos in North Carolina are involved in many charitable causes and have contributed significantly to their economy.
According to him, they thrive in education, law, medicine, information technology, and the arts, and they continue to enrich our communities in countless ways.
The proclamation also highlights the establishment of the nonprofit Igbo Day Festival Organisation in 2022, which launched the first Igbo Day Festival on July 10 of that year.
The group’s mission is to educate the broader public on Igbo traditions through art, music, language, and communal values, while fostering a strong sense of identity among younger generations.
He noted that beyond cultural preservation, the Igbo community has demonstrated a strong commitment to civic engagement and philanthropy.
According to him, they have volunteered in local schools, supported food pantries, cleaned up highways, and participated in outreach initiatives at women’s shelters and hospitals.
The statement read, “WHEREAS, there are thousands of Igbo people in North Carolina, some of whom have lived here for over fifty years.
“WHEREAS, the Igbos are committed to preserving and promoting their rich cultural heritage from Nigeria. Igbos in North Carolina are encouraged to connect, celebrate, and support one another, fostering a strong sense of unity, bonding, and belonging; andTravel guides for Nigeria
“WHEREAS, the Igbo community aspires to create an environment where their members thrive, traditions flourish, and their contributions to society are recognised and valued. Through their collective efforts, the Igbo community aims to inspire future generations to embrace their identity and to foster a strong sense of belonging and purpose within North Carolina.
“WHEREAS, in 2022, the Igbo North Carolinians established the nonprofit Igbo Day Festival Organisation to unite and educate Igbo families and North Carolinians about Igbo culture, art, music, and traditional values; the first Igbo Day Festival was held on July 10, 2022.
“WHEREAS, their vision is to be 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.”Travel guides for Nigeria
“WHEREAS, Igbos in North Carolina are involved in many charitable causes and have contributed to the economy; they have participated in elections and excel in various careers, including those working for the State of North Carolina and the federal government, thrive in fields such as education, entrepreneurship, law, medicine including roles as doctors, nurses, pharmacists information technology, and art,” he said.
Stein stated, “WHEREAS they have volunteered in local schools, adopted a highway in North Carolina to aid cleaning efforts, supported women’s shelters and hospitals, organised food pantry drives, and participated in cultural performances at local festivals.
“WHEREAS, Igbos in North Carolina are dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of Igho culture by creating cultural awareness for future generations;
“NOW, THEREFORE, 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.”
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