1st Igbo World Festival of Arts & Culture (2014)

First Igbo World Festival of Arts & Culture

​The first Igbo World Festival of Arts and Culture was organized by CISA, with the collaboration and support of the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia, Igbo World Assembly (IWA), Nwannedinamba USA, and two dozen other Igbo organizations. The event took place July 25-26, 2014 at the Igbo Village in Staunton, Virginia.

Highlights

Cultural Heritage Showcase

Display of Igbo cultural artifacts (material culture), Girls dance by Ebony Youth Empowerment led by Dr Ezi Mecha, War Dance led by Jerry Uka . . . and more.

Attendees included:

  • Representatives of 26 Igbo organizations in USA and other countries
  • Chief Gary Igariwey, former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo
  • Igwe Obidiegwu Onyeso, Eze Nri Enweleana II of Anambra State
  • Igwe Gibson Nwosu, Eze Uzu II of Awka, Anambra State
  • Hundreds of Igbo people and culture enthusiasts from several countries

Reconnection and Naming Ceremony

Four DNA tested people of African descent were reconnected with their Igbo brethren and given Igbo names.

  • Esther Dewitt-Dion from Baltimore, Maryland, USA, received the Igbo name “Adaugo” (precious daughter)
  • Franklin Dewitt from Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands, received the Igbo name “Akabueze” (action rules)
  • Vivian Dewitt from Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands, received the Igbo name “Adora” (daughter of the community)
  • Sharon Greenland from New York, USA, received the Igbo name “Chioma” (God is good)
Photos and Videos
Also in 2014
Chudi Asidianya Elected CISA President
On January 5, 2014, the Council of Igbo States in Americas (CISA) elected Mr. Chudi Asidianya as its President to pilot the affairs of the organization for the next two years.
IWA Convention and Ohaneze Ndi-igbo Day
On September 27-28, 2014, Igbo World Assembly (IWA), in collaboration with Ohanaeze Ndi-Igbo, hosted its annual IWA Convention and Ohahaeze Ndi-Igbo Day in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.