North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has officially proclaimed June 14, 2025, as “Igbo Day” in recognition of the Igbo community’s cultural and economic contributions to the state.
The declaration, issued on June 12, celebrates over 50 years of Igbo influence across various sectors.
In his proclamation, Governor Stein highlighted the community’s achievements: “Through their collective efforts, the Igbo community aims to inspire future generations to embrace their identity and to foster a strong sense of belonging and purpose within North Carolina.”
He added, “Their vision is to be a thriving community that not only honors and promotes the rich heritage of the Igbo people of Nigeria in North Carolina, but also serves as a beacon of unity, support, and cultural pride.”
The document noted Igbo excellence in education, law, medicine, IT, and public service, as well as civic initiatives like highway adoptions, food drives, and support for women’s shelters.
“Igbos in North Carolina are dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of Igbo culture by creating cultural awareness for future generations,” Stein stated, emphasizing their economic contributions and electoral participation.
The proclamation formally concludes: “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.”
This recognition follows the work of the Igbo Day Festival Organization, a nonprofit founded in 2022 to promote Igbo traditions through music, art, and cultural education. North Carolina becomes the second U.S. state after Minnesota – which declared August 13, 2022, as Igbo Day – to officially celebrate this Nigerian ethnic group.
