The Obi of Igbuzo Kingdom in Delta State, Obi (Dr.) Henry Chukwuma Ajudua, Obi Eze Udo I of Igbuzo, has called for renewed commitment to preserving and promoting Anioma cultural heritage on the global stage, stressing that the protection of indigenous traditions remains essential for future generations.

The monarch made the call during the 2026 CISA Annual Igbo Worldwide Festival of Arts and Culture held in the United States of America, where he attended alongside his wife, Obi Okpoho Dr. Vivian Onyebuchi Henry-Ajudua.

Speaking at the international gathering, Obi Ajudua described the festival as a powerful platform for advancing cultural preservation, strengthening unity among Igbo people worldwide, promoting historical consciousness, and encouraging economic collaboration across continents.

He emphasised that safeguarding the rich cultural identity of the historic Igbuzo Kingdom and the wider Anioma region of Delta State was a collective responsibility that must be sustained to ensure the heritage is passed on to future generations.

According to the royal father, the annual festival seeks to reconnect Igbo communities in Nigeria with their descendants in the diaspora, while promoting Igbo identity and reinforcing historical ties across the world.

He stressed the importance of consistently showcasing the customs, traditions, values and rich heritage of the Igbuzo Kingdom as part of broader efforts to preserve Africa’s cultural legacy.

In recognition of their contributions to cultural promotion, Obi Ajudua and his wife were honoured as Royal Guests of Honour and Cultural Ambassadors during the two-day event held at Selden Park, Brunswick, and the historic Igbo Landing on St. Simons Island in Georgia.

Participants described the 2026 CISA Festival as more than a cultural celebration, saying it had evolved into a global platform for reaffirming shared Igbo heritage, strengthening collective identity and inspiring communities across the world to preserve their history while fostering unity for future generations.

They noted that the participation of the Igbuzo royal couple marked a significant milestone in promoting cultural diplomacy and projecting the cultural heritage of Delta State internationally, positioning the kingdom as a major voice in global conversations on Igbo unity, cultural preservation and sustainable community development.

The festival, which attracted traditional rulers, scholars, professionals, cultural advocates and members of the African diaspora from different parts of the world, was themed “Global Igbo Unification: Healing the Broken Circle.”

One of the major highlights of the event was a solemn pilgrimage to the historic Igbo Landing, where participants paid tribute to the Igbo captives of 1803 whose resistance against enslavement has become a lasting symbol of courage, resilience, freedom and human dignity.

Obi Ajudua and Obi Okpoho joined His Majesty Eze Chukwuemeka Eri (Eze Ndi Igbo), CISA President Echiemeze Ofili, Planning Committee Chairman Emeka Nwosu, Director of Publicity and Media Chief Mathias Mgbeafulu, other traditional rulers and dignitaries in remembrance ceremonies, traditional prayers, cultural processions and reflections on the enduring historical significance of the site.

The festival also featured traditional music, drumming, masquerade displays, cultural dances, arts and crafts exhibitions, storytelling sessions, leadership forums, diaspora development discussions and networking engagements aimed at deepening cultural identity while promoting economic and social cooperation among Igbo communities globally.

Beyond their traditional responsibilities, Obi Ajudua and Obi Okpoho also serve as President and Managing Director, respectively, of Vebron Carre Conglomerates, a multinational organisation with interests in healthcare, education, philanthropy, business development and community empowerment across Nigeria and the United States.