The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has described the proclamation of June 14 as “Igbo Day” by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein as a reflection of the patriotic and deep cultural impact of Ndigbo in the United States.
In a statement issued by NiDCOM’s Head of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the NiDCOM boss described the recognition as “a welcome development.”
Governor Josh Stein officially proclaimed 14 June 2025 as Igbo Day in North Carolina, United States of America, acknowledging the deep-rooted presence and significant contributions of the Igbo community across the state.
Dabiri-Erewa said such recognition “deserves accolade” for the Governor, for acknowledging the contributions of the Igbo community both within and beyond the state.
She also commended the Igbo community for being good ambassadors of Nigeria in North Carolina.
The NiDCOM boss urged other Nigerians living abroad, as individuals or groups, to always contribute their quota to their immediate communities and to reflect the true patriotic spirit of Nigerians, regardless of their geopolitical origins.
With this proclamation, North Carolina joins other states in honouring its growing African diaspora and the diverse heritage that strengthens its society.
The declaration celebrates the rich heritage of the Igbos an ethnic group from South-Eastern Nigeria many of whom have lived in North Carolina for over 50 years.
Governor Stein noted that the Igbo community’s “dedication to civic engagement, unity and cultural preservation makes them an invaluable part of the state.”
The proclamation also highlighted the efforts of the Igbo Day Festival Organisation, which held its first celebration on 10 July 2022 to promote Igbo culture through arts, music, language, and community events, and to preserve its traditions for future generations.
