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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Governor Hope Uzodimma and the late former Governor Sam Mbakwe are set to be feted at this year’s Ahiajoku Lecture, according to organisers.
In a chat with journalists in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Director General of Ahiajoku Centre, Ray Emeana, also revealed plans to honour all 28 past Ahiajoku lecturers, including Professor Laz Ekwueme, who he said had already begun his journey to Owerri before the postponement of the annual Igbo intellectual harvest.
The event, he further explained, will recognise pioneers of the Ahiajoku Lecture series, such as Gius Anogha, I.D. Nwoga, and Professor Ikechukwu Maduakwe. Notably, Governor Uzodimma is to be installed as Grand Patron, with other governors as patrons.
Speaking on funding of the event, the DG explained that, as a non-profit entity, Ahiajoku relies on donations and contributions. “We’re exploring sustainable models, including corporate sponsorships and private donations, to ensure continuity without overburdening the government,” he said.
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Asked about inclusivity, he added, “We’re reaching out to other Igbo states. This is an Igbo cultural heritage, and we want everyone on board.”
On the reasons for the postponement of the lecture to the next quarter of next year, Emeana said: “The two challenges Igbo people have today are insecurity and economy. That was why we arrived at that topic ‘The future of Igbo economy amidst the challenges of insecurity, a call for a paradigm shift’ because the essence of Ahiajoku is to look at the challenge, the past, because there’s no challenge that’s new.
“Every challenge has happened at one point or the other in the past. The whole idea is for the lecturer, through research, to identify that challenge: when we faced the challenge, what solution to use to solve it. He was ready for the lecture but during that period there was heightened tension all over Igbo land following the conviction of Nnamdi Kanu; everywhere was tensed up. It was safer, after the lecturer, the governor, and every stakeholder discussed the matter, it was agreed to allow tension to come down because what is worth doing is worth doing well,” Emeana explained.
