By Sunday Apah
The Itsekiri Congress UK (ICUK), the primary organization representing Itsekiri people in the United Kingdom, is calling on all Itsekiri individuals residing in the UK to participate in their inaugural Itsekiri Heritage Day 2026. The event, themed “Our Heritage, Our Voice: Inspiring Our Future with One Voice,” aims to foster unity and cultural pride.
Scheduled for Saturday, July 25, 2026, the celebration will commence at 10:00 a.m. at Deptford Park, 23 Scawen Road, London. Itsekiris from across the UK are anticipated to gather for a grand celebration of their rich cultural heritage, solidarity, and identity.
A joint statement from ICUK President, Mr. Sunny Oritsegbubemi Okuku, and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Norris Orighoye, urged all Itsekiri residents to attend in large numbers to celebrate their heritage with a unified voice, accord, and purpose.
The statement also highlighted that the Itsekiri Congress UK comprises six affiliated bodies dedicated to promoting the welfare, unity, and cultural heritage of Itsekiris in the UK. These include Warri National Union UK, Warri Progressive Society (Otonloye) London, Warri Ladies Vanguard London, Ugbajo Itsekiri UK, Itsekiri Cultural Heritage UK, and Ugbajo Eberen Iwere (Omutse) UK.
Organizers have planned a vibrant celebration featuring traditional dance performances, cultural exhibitions, children’s games, music, and a diverse array of authentic Itsekiri delicacies. The event is designed to help Itsekiris in the diaspora, especially younger generations, reconnect with their ancestral roots, customs, language, and cherished traditions.
The ICUK leadership emphasized that the Inaugural Itsekiri Heritage Day transcends a typical cultural festival; it symbolizes peace, unity, and solidarity among the Itsekiri people. They underscored the importance of preserving the rich cultural heritage passed down by their ancestors while motivating future generations to embrace their identity and collaborate for the advancement of Iwere Kingdom.
Attendees, including Itsekiri families, friends, and well-wishers, are encouraged to experience the renowned Itsekiri hospitality, captivating cultural displays, music, dance, traditional cuisine, and strong community spirit. Participants are assured of a memorable day filled with enjoyment, networking opportunities, cultural pride, and the strengthening of bonds among Itsekiris in the diaspora.
ICUK reiterated its commitment to promoting the unity, progress, and cultural heritage of the Itsekiri people throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. They extended an invitation to every Itsekiri resident in the UK to join the celebration, proudly display the enduring heritage of Iwere Kingdom, and inspire the future with a collective voice.
