UNESCO, Okigbo Foundation to Celebrate Legendary Poet in Abuja
UNESCO, Okigbo Foundation to Celebrate Legendary Poet in Abuja
By Matthew Eloyi
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has teamed up with the Christopher Okigbo Foundation to host a high-level commemorative event in honour of the iconic Nigerian poet, Christopher Ifekandu Okigbo.
Scheduled for Wednesday, August 28, 2025, the event will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the UNESCO Nigeria Office, UN Building, Constitution Avenue, Abuja. It is being held in collaboration with the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).
Themed “The Importance of Christopher Okigbo’s Nomination into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register and Its Impact on Nigeria’s Cultural Heritage and Literary History,” the event celebrates Okigbo’s recent nomination into the UNESCO Memory of the World Register—an honour that highlights the global value of his literary legacy.
According to the organizers, the commemorative event will feature a keynote address, a thought-provoking panel session, spoken word and poetry performances inspired by Okigbo’s works, and an exhibition showcasing rare manuscripts, photographs, and visual tributes. There will also be a special session reflecting on the intersections between Christopher Okigbo’s poetry and Igbo spirituality.
“This partnership between UNESCO and the Christopher Okigbo Foundation reflects our shared commitment to preserving and promoting Africa’s literary and cultural heritage,” said Ifeeanyi Aajaeggbo, a representative of UNESCO Nigeria. “Okigbo’s work is not only a national treasure but a global legacy.”
The event underscores the importance of literature in preserving identity, promoting cultural dialogue, and advancing collective memory.
Christopher Okigbo (1932–1967), born in Ojoto, Anambra State, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most profound poetic voices. His poetry—rooted in Igbo spirituality, laced with Greek mythology, and influenced by modernist traditions—continues to inspire generations of writers and thinkers. Okigbo’s untimely death during the Nigerian Civil War cut short a brilliant career, but his legacy has endured and continues to gain global recognition.
Members of the public, literary enthusiasts, and cultural stakeholders are encouraged to follow updates about the event using the hashtag #OkigboLegacy2025.
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