The Delta State capital, Asaba, will this weekend host a major Igbo-speaking conference aimed at addressing issues of identity crisis among different Igbo subgroups and dialectical communities.
Over 5,000 participants from 13 states across Nigeria are expected at the two-day event, tagged “Igbo-Bu-Ofu” (Igbos are One), scheduled for Friday and Saturday, August 29–30, 2025.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Chief Cosmas Agada, and the Conference Coordinator, Mr. Kingsley Kainebi, the gathering—also referred to as “Ogbako-Igbo Zara Igbo” (a gathering of all those called Igbo)—seeks to foster unity among Igbos who struggle with questions of cultural and linguistic identity.
According to PUNCH, “All roads lead to Asaba this weekend,” the statement noted, “where distinguished scholars and thought leaders will engage participants on the essence of Igbo unity and heritage.”
The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Timothy Nwala, a leading figure in Contemporary African Philosophy and Nigeria’s first indigenous university graduate in philosophy. Guest speakers include Professor Pat Utomi, renowned political economist and management expert from Igbuzo in Delta State; Professor Obasi Igwe, an authority in political science; and Professor Florence Orabueze, poet, writer, and former Director of the Institute of African Studies, among others.
The organisers, the Igbo Unification Movement in partnership with the NdiN’asuBia Socio-Cultural Organization, expressed optimism that the deliberations will help resolve longstanding divisions among Igbo-speaking groups.
“This is the first conference of its kind,” the statement added, “and we believe it will mark a turning point in healing identity challenges and strengthening our shared bond as one people.”
