By : Ike Philip Abiagom- Newsbreeze
The revered royal couple of Igbuzo Kingdom, Obi (Dr.) Henry Chukwuma Ajudua, Obi Eze Udo I of Igbuzo, and his wife, Obi Okpoho Dr. Vivian Onyebuchi Henry-Ajudua, have once again made Anioma Nation proud following their distinguished participation in the 2026 CISA Annual Igbo Worldwide Festival of Arts and Culture in the United States.
The royal couple attended the prestigious international gathering as Royal Guests of Honour and Cultural Ambassadors, representing the historic Igbuzo Kingdom and the entire Anioma region of Delta State, Nigeria.
Held from July 31 to August 1, 2026, at Selden Park, Brunswick, and the historic Igbo Landing on St. Simons Island, Georgia, the two-day festival brought together traditional rulers, scholars, professionals, cultural enthusiasts, and members of the African diaspora in a grand celebration of Igbo heritage, history, and identity.
With the theme, “Global Igbo Unification: Healing the Broken Circle,” the festival focused on strengthening ties between Igbo communities in Nigeria and their descendants across the world while promoting cultural preservation, unity, and development.
The participation of Obi Ajudua and Obi Okpoho underscored the growing role of Anioma in advancing the global conversation on Igbo unity, cultural preservation, and community development. Their presence highlighted the rich traditions, values, and cultural heritage of the Igbuzo people and reinforced the enduring historical and spiritual connections that bind Ndi Igbo across continents.
Beyond their traditional responsibilities, the royal couple are widely recognized as the President and Managing Director of Vebron Carre Conglomerates, a multinational organization with interests in healthcare, education, philanthropy, business development, and community empowerment in both Nigeria and the United States. Through numerous humanitarian initiatives, they have earned widespread admiration for their commitment to improving lives and preserving cultural values.
One of the most significant moments of the festival was the pilgrimage to the historic Igbo Landing, where participants paid tribute to the courageous Igbo captives of 1803 whose resistance against enslavement remains a powerful symbol of freedom, dignity, courage, and resilience.
The royal couple joined His Majesty Eze Chukwuemeka Eri (Eze Ndi Igbo), CISA President Echiemeze Ofili, Planning Committee Chairman Emeka Nwosu, Director of Publicity and Media Chief Mathias Mgbeafulu, and other traditional rulers and dignitaries from across the globe in remembrance ceremonies, traditional prayers, cultural processions, and historical reflections.
The festival also featured traditional music, drumming, masquerade displays, cultural dances, exhibitions of Igbo arts and crafts, storytelling sessions, leadership forums, diaspora development discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at promoting cultural identity and economic collaboration.
Observers noted that the presence of the Igbuzo royal couple elevated the profile of Anioma culture on the global stage and further strengthened efforts to preserve and promote the heritage of the Igbo people worldwide.
Participants described CISA 2026 as more than a cultural festival, but a powerful reaffirmation of a shared heritage and collective destiny, inspiring Ndi Igbo everywhere to embrace their history, celebrate their identity, and build stronger bridges of unity for generations yet unborn.
For Igbuzo and the wider Anioma Nation, the outstanding representation by Obi (Dr.) Henry Chukwuma Ajudua and Obi Okpoho Dr. Vivian Onyebuchi Henry-Ajudua remains a source of pride and a testament to the kingdom’s growing influence in promoting cultural diplomacy, unity, and development across the global Igbo community.