Top Igbo scholars from across 13 states of the Federation converge in Asaba, Delta State, for a two-day landmark conference aimed at unifying the Igbo-speaking people of Nigeria.

The two-day event, themed “Igbo-Bu-Ofu” (Igbos Are One), will take place on August 29 and 30 in the Asaba metropolis.

The Igbo Unification Movement organises it in partnership with the Ndi N’asu Bia Socio-Cultural Organisation.

In a joint statement, Chief Cosmas Agada, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), and Kingsley Kainebi, Coordinator, described the event as a groundbreaking gathering titled “Ogbako-Igbo Zara Igbo”, meaning A gathering of who is who Igbo.

According to the statement, the event will feature keynote and guest speakers drawn from academia and intellectual circles—individuals known for their commitment to Igbo culture, history, and unity, to ensure the “diverse people, especially those who are struggling with identity crisis, understand that we are one.” people”.

Top scholars include Prof. Timothy Nwala, a keynote speaker and widely esteemed as the father of Contemporary African Philosophy. He is the first Nigerian to earn a philosophy degree from an indigenous university and the author of the seminal work Igbo Philosophy.

Prof. Patrick Utomi, a political economist and management expert from Igbuzo in Oshimili North, Delta State, Prof. Obasi Igwe, a political science authority from Ohafia, Abia State, Prof. Florence Orabueze, an acclaimed poet, literary scholar, and former director of the Institute of African Studies, Prof. Paul Opone, a historian and expert in inter-group relations and conflict resolution from Delta State University, Abraka, Dr. Chidi Osuagwu, a biochemist and medicinal chemistry expert with academic ties to the University of Port Harcourt and the University of Houston, and Prof. Chinedu Enweoye, specialising in Urban Planning and Environmental Management from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State.

The organisers say each speaker will address themes critical to Igbo unity, history, language, and identity in the face of regional and national challenges.

Agada and Kainebi expressed optimism that the conference will mark a turning point for Igbo-speaking communities, especially those grappling with questions of belonging and cultural alignment.

“After this gathering, we believe the identity crisis among Igbo subgroups and dialects will be significantly reduced, if not eliminated,” they added.

The event has been described as the first of its kind and a significant step toward fostering cultural pride and unity among the millions of Igbo-speaking Nigerians scattered across various regions.