By Val Igwebuike
LAGOS, NIGERIA – History will be made this October as Lagos plays host to what is being hailed as the Igbo Celebration of the Century, a grand cultural and intellectual gathering aimed at honouring the 100 Greatest Igbo Personalities of all time. The landmark event is billed to take place at the prestigious Villa Angellia Hotels, Ikoyi, Lagos State, on October 17 and 18, 2025, drawing together the brightest stars of Igbo heritage from across Nigeria and the global diaspora.
A Salute to Igbo Excellence
Titled “Igbo Personalities Honour of the Century: 100 Greatest Igbos”, the celebration seeks to spotlight outstanding Igbo men and women from all walks of life — including politics, academia, entrepreneurship, the arts, science, sports, traditional institutions, activism, diplomacy, and beyond. The list, expected to ignite conversations across the country, will showcase the immense contributions of the Igbo nation to Nigeria’s development and global advancement.
According to the organizing committee, the event is “a timeless tribute to the excellence, resilience, innovation, and cultural richness of the Igbo people.” While the names of honourees remain tightly sealed for now, there is mounting anticipation across the nation about which iconic figures — living and departed — will be included.
Double Celebration: Ada Ohanaeze International Cultural Beauty Pageant
In a fusion of culture, beauty, and tradition, the programme will also feature the Ada Ohanaeze International Cultural Beauty Pageant, where elegant and culturally grounded young Igbo women will compete for the coveted title of Ada Ohanaeze — the symbolic daughter of the Igbo nation. The pageant will promote cultural awareness, pride, and the essence of the African woman rooted in tradition and vision.
Colloquium and Grand Finale
The event is divided into two key moments:
Colloquium Day – October 17, 2025:
An intellectual engagement bringing together Igbo scholars, thought leaders, historians, and cultural custodians to dissect the place of the Igbo in Nigeria’s future, under the theme: “Preserving Identity, Advancing Legacy.”
Grand Finale – October 18, 2025:
A glamorous night of awards, performances, cultural showcases, and the grand unveiling of the 100 Greatest Igbos, culminating in the coronation of Ada Ohanaeze International.
A Call for Partnership and Sponsorship
Organizers have extended an open invitation to individuals, businesses, government agencies, and cultural foundations to partner and support the event through sponsorship, goodwill, and participation. Contact lines have been made available:
📞 08031131131, 09014303435, 08036057582, 07038818500, 07035353232, 09038700565.
A Cultural Renaissance in the Making
With Nigeria at a crossroads in national rebirth and cultural introspection, the Igbo Celebration of the Century promises to be more than a ceremony — it is set to become a bold statement of identity, pride, and purpose. It will affirm the value of honouring heritage while inspiring the next generation to aim for greatness.
As the countdown begins, all roads lead to Ikoyi in October 2025. One thing is certain: this is a celebration no one will want to miss.
#Igbo100 #CelebrationOfTheCentury #AdaOhanaeze2025 #VillaAngelliaIkoyi #OctoberInLagos
