In less than two weeks, on April 19, 2008, ndiigbo in the New England area, under the auspices of the Igbo Organization of New England, will congregate to celebrate Igbo Day. This year’s event is special in many respects. First it is the first major event in the New England area this year. After a protracted and punishing winter, everyone is anxious to come out of hibernation and usher in spring in style. Second, it is the first major event organized by the Igbo Organization of New England since the hugely successful World Igbo Congress convention in Boston two years ago. But the final and most important peculiarity of this event is the spirit with which the members of the IONE have embraced what the Igbo Day celebration represents.
Igbo Day celebration is not like any other party. It is an event designated for the promotion of ndiigbo, their language, culture, worldview and values. This year, emphasis is placed on achieving peace amongst ndiigbo, hence the theme 'Udo Bu Oganihu Ndiigbo'.
In addition to customary dinner and dance, a number of cultural entertainments have been lined up for this event. They include the much heralded Igbo Women of Boston Dance and the fearsome Abia War Dance, to name just two.
The guest speaker for this year's event is Ohaneze spokesman, Hon. Emma Okocha, a celebrated writer and the author of the award-winning book Blood on the Niger. Hon. Okocha was also a gubernatorial aspirant in Delta State in the last election. His message of hope and unification titled "January 15: The Phantom of an Igbo Coup" is eagerly anticipated. Coming at a time when ndiigbo are desperately seeking direction, Hon. Okocha's words of hope and peace tie in perfectly with the theme of the Igbo Day celebration and are certain to resonate with, and sensitize every Igbo man and woman to the Igbo cause.
We seize this opportunity to invite all Igbo people in the United States and beyond to this crucial event. Tickets are limited and reservation is on a first-come-first-served basis. Please make yours today. For more information on how to reserve a ticket or to learn more about the Igbo Organization of New England, please visit www.igbonewengland.org or send an e-mail to omenka1@yahoo.com. We look forward to seeing you come April 19th at the Holiday Inn Dedham.

Signed:
Omenka Ejike Eze, Ph.D..
Event coordinator & PRO, Igbo Organization of New England
E-mail: omenka1@yahoo.com