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Over 4,000 members of the Igbo community yesterday thronged Abuja for the 2026 Igbo Nmanma Celebration organised by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, FCT Chapter, with messages of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The colourful event attracted Igbo leaders, traditional rulers, professionals, entrepreneurs, politicians and other members of the community from across the country and the diaspora.
Former Imo State Governor Senator Rochas Okorocha described Ndigbo as peace-loving Nigerians who had continued to build bridges of friendship and contribute to the development of the country.
Okorocha said the presence of Ndigbo across Nigeria and the world had strengthened economic ties and fostered relationships among communities.
“Everywhere you go, you find an Igbo man building bridges of friendship and helping brotherhood,” he said.
He called for greater unity and cooperation among Nigerians, while conveying greetings from the Igbo community to President Tinubu】 and the First Lady.
Okorocha said Ndigbo remained interested in participating actively in the affairs of the country and supporting efforts to strengthen relationships across the Niger.
Also speaking, Minister of Women Affairs Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim said she had developed strong relationships with the Igbo community, noting the support she had received from Igbo leaders.
She said political participation was driven by interests, urging Nigerians and different communities to work together in pursuit of common goals.
“I am proud to identify with the Igbo community. We work together, we win together,” she said.
A former Commissioner at the Federal Character Commission Hon Ginika Tor commended Ndigbo for their contributions to national development, describing the celebration as a demonstration of unity and cultural pride.
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Tor said those honoured at the event were recognised for their achievements and contributions, rather than their ethnicity.
“We are honouring some Igbos here, not because I am Igbo, but because we want to appreciate their best,” she said.
She praised the entrepreneurial and professional contributions of Ndigbo, saying their influence was evident across several sectors of the Nigerian economy and in the diaspora.
She said the gathering provided an opportunity for the community to reflect on its history, present circumstances and collective future.
“It is an opportunity for us to revitalise our sense of oneness as one people and to reflect on where we are coming from, where we are and where we are going,” she said.
The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo FCT Chapter Chief Andrew Ugwu Onowu Afulukwe expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the FCT Administration for supporting the celebration.
Afulukwe said Ndigbo resident in Abuja were pleased with the administration, highlighting their contributions to investment, business and economic activities in the nation’s capital.
He called for sustained peace, unity and cooperation among Nigerians, stressing that the Igbo community in Abuja remained committed to the development of the FCT and Nigeria.
The celebration featured the Igbo Nmanma Excellence Awards, which recognised distinguished members of the community and other guests for their contributions to society.
The event also featured the unveiling of an Igbo cooperative society, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and empowerment among members.
Participants later offered prayers for the Igbo community, the FCT and Nigeria, while reaffirming their commitment to cultural preservation, unity and national development.
