US City Honors Nigerian Heritage as North Carolina Declares June 14 ‘Igbo Day’

The State of North Carolina has officially designated June 14 as Igbo Day, a historic recognition of the cultural contributions of the Igbo people, one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups, who have long made the state their home.

Governor Josh Stein issued the proclamation declaring the observance, celebrating the resilience, traditions, and social impact of the Igbo community in North Carolina. The announcement, titled Igbo Day 2025, was made public via the state government’s official website.

“There are thousands of Igbo people in North Carolina, some of whom have lived here for over fifty years,” the proclamation reads. “They are committed to preserving and promoting their rich cultural heritage from Nigeria.”

Governor Stein praised the community’s active role in society—from public service to education, health care, and entrepreneurship—highlighting their charitable work and civic engagement. “They thrive in fields such as medicine, law, IT, art, and education,” he noted, adding that many Igbos work for both the state and federal governments.

The proclamation also highlighted the creation of the Igbo Day Festival Organization, a nonprofit established in 2022 to promote cultural awareness and educate both Igbo families and North Carolinians about Igbo traditions, music, and values. The first festival was held in July 2022, with plans to expand its reach in coming years.

Governor Stein acknowledged the community’s active participation in volunteer initiatives, such as highway clean-ups, women’s shelter support, and food pantry drives, emphasizing that their efforts enhance both cultural pride and community well-being.

The official proclamation concluded with a call for all North Carolinians to join in the celebration of Igbo Day:

“Now, therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2025, as ‘IGBO DAY’ in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.”