Igbo Studies Association holds 20th annual international conference, brainstorms on way forward for Ala Igbo
The Igbo Studies Association (ISA) held its 20th Annual International Conference at Dominican University, River Forest, Chicago, Illinois, USA, from May 11th to 13th, 2023. The theme of the 2023 conference was: Ndu na Odimma Ndi Igbo: Igbo Life and Wellbeing.
The conference was attended by scholars from universities and tertiary institutions, youth leaders, leaders of community organizations, media personnel, clergy, and professionals from the United States, Canada, Nigeria, Australia, the United Kingdom, and South Africa.
The Ihechukwu Madubuike Annual Keynote Lecture was delivered by Prof. E.C. Osondu, Professor of English at Providence College, Rhode Island. Drawing from the character of Unoka in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, the keynote speaker noted that the man who plays the flute is as important as the man who has a large yam barn.
He encouraged the Igbo to recognise the minor roles within the Igbo society instead of focusing so much on our boisterous virtues. He also spoke on the Igbo apprenticeship system and mentioned that in no other sphere has the Igbo apprenticeship yielded much result than among the academia in the diaspora.
More than 100 academic and research papers were accepted in 23 different panels that ran in blocks of concurrent sessions throughout the three days. The papers presented at various panels covered several aspects of the Igbo people, including history, language, culture, religion, politics, migration, leadership, economic development, gender, and female empowerment.
One of the prevailing themes around Igbo Consciousness and Development highlighted the Igbo Studies Association’s commitment to academic work, research, dialogue and contributions to the teaching of the Igbo language in schools and colleges, with special emphasis on encouraging the propagation of the use of Igbo the Igbo language and culture within the Igbo diaspora families.
The third day featured a special plenary roundtable session chaired by Professor Apollos Nwauwa, focusing on the 2023 elections in Nigeria, discussing the lessons learnt, and strategies that Igbo politicians could explore in subsequent elections in the quest for an Igbo presidency. The panellists:
Commended the exemplary leadership capacity and sagacity exhibited by the Labour Party presidential candidate in mobilising Nigerians in the 2023 general election.
Condemned the intimidation and attack on Igbo-dominated settlements in Lagos during the just concluded election and warned that such acts impinge on national integration and nation-building.
Noted that Ndi Igbo, given the controversies and irregularities surrounding the just concluded election, must continue to participate actively in the political process in Nigeria and seek an alliance with other regions.
Encouraged Ndi Igbo to continue seeking avenues for capacity building and the general development of ala Igbo notwithstanding the outcome of the 2023 elections.
The three-day conference concluded with the Annual Business Meeting of the association, during which the association elected a new Executive Management Team and resolved to hold its 21st Annual International Conference in Nigeria in 2024 with the theme “Igbo Values and Leadership in the Modern World”
SIGNED: ISA Executive Officers:
Dr Chidi Igwe, President
Dr Nkechi Nwokoye, Vice-President
Mr Kingsley Ezeuwa, Secretary
Dr. Bellamine Ezumah, Treasurer
Mr. Chukwuemeka Oko-Otu, Public Relations Officer
Dr. Chijioke Azuawusiefe, Program Director
