In a landmark declaration, Igbo Archbishops and Bishops, in collaboration with Ohanaeze Ndigbo, have announced the last Saturday of January each year as the Igbo World Day of Adoration and Thanksgiving, with the inaugural observance set for January 31, 2026.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The announcement was made in a statement issued by representatives of Igbo archbishops and bishops under the platform Igbo Archbishops and Bishops in Alaigbo for Peace and Justice.
According to the church leaders, the decision followed periods of prayer, consultation, and deep spiritual reflection on the historical experiences of the Igbo people, particularly the impact and aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
The statement highlighted that the survival of the Igbo during and after the war, despite widespread destruction and years of post-war marginalisation, remains a remarkable milestone that has yet to be formally commemorated through a collective act of thanksgiving to God.
The clerics explained that the annual observance aims to unite Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora in gratitude to God for their preservation, protection, and continuity over the 56 years since the end of the civil war.
Under the plan, Christian denominations across Igboland and Igbo communities worldwide are expected to hold special services of adoration and thanksgiving in their places of worship between 9 a.m. and 12 noon, with services conducted in the Igbo language.
The clerics expressed confidence that a unified act of thanksgiving would attract renewed divine favour, peace, and progress for the Igbo nation.
The proclamation received endorsement from several prominent clerics, including:
Most Rev. Dr. David Onuoha, Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Anglican Communion;
Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, Catholic Archbishop of Owerri;
Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha;
Most Rev. Sosthenes Eze, Anglican Archbishop of Enugu;
Most Rev. Dr. Chibuzo Raphael Opoko, Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia;
Most Rev. Prof. Eziichi Anya Ituma, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church, Enugu Synod; and
Very Rev. Dr. Abraham Nwali, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-East Zone.
This historic proclamation marks a significant step in fostering unity and spiritual solidarity among the Igbo people worldwide.