By Godwin Asiegbu, Umuahia
The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID USA) is holding its 2026 National Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, bringing together political leaders, community representatives, and members of the Igbo diaspora for discussions on the development, unity, and future of the Igbo people.
The three-day conference, scheduled for October 9–11, 2026, is themed “Maka Odimma Ndi Igbo,” meaning “For the Good of the Igbo People.”
Among the prominent personalities featured on the conference programme are Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti; Representative Obi Aguocha, who represents Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency in Nigeria’s House of Representatives; Mayor Joseph Chukwueke of Woodlyn, New Jersey; and Representative Gabe Okoye of Georgia House District 102.
Other personalities listed on the event flyer include Professor Robert Destro, former Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour; Mike Arnold, former Mayor of Blanco, Texas; and John Gregg, identified as a former Vice President of Research and Development at Kraft Foods.
Conference Focuses on Igbo Unity and Development
The theme, “Maka Odimma Ndi Igbo,” places the collective welfare of the Igbo people at the centre of the gathering. It reflects the conference’s stated focus on bringing people together to consider issues affecting Igbo communities in Nigeria and the diaspora.
The gathering also provides an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas, strengthen community relationships, and explore ways to contribute to the social, cultural, and economic advancement of the Igbo people.
The participation of political and community figures from Nigeria and the United States highlights the importance of diaspora engagement in conversations about development, cultural identity, and cooperation.
Three-Day Conference Programme
According to the published programme, activities began on Friday, October 9, with an opening ceremony and a meet-and-greet session scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at the Marriott Inn & Suites, Gwinnett Place, Duluth, Georgia.
Saturday, October 10, is designated as the main conference day. Activities include opening prayers and the national anthem at 9:00 a.m., followed by a welcome address by the AVID president at 10:00 a.m. A panel discussion with a question-and-answer session is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., while lunch and networking are planned for 1:00 p.m.
The programme also includes breakout sessions at 3:00 p.m. and a banquet with cultural performances at 8:30 p.m. Governor Alex Otti is listed on the programme as a speaker during the day’s activities.
The final day, Sunday, October 11, will feature a community outing and closing activities. Participants are scheduled to depart for St. Simons Island at 8:00 a.m., visit the Igbo Landing historical site at 11:00 a.m., and attend a remembrance ceremony at noon. A farewell lunch and closing ceremony are scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
Strengthening Nigeria-US and Igbo Diaspora Connections
The conference comes amid continuing efforts by diaspora communities to preserve cultural heritage and maintain links with their ancestral communities while contributing to development initiatives.
For the Igbo people, gatherings of this nature can provide a platform for discussing shared challenges, building partnerships, encouraging investment, and promoting the interests of communities across geographical boundaries.
The presence of Nigerian political representatives alongside American public figures also creates an opportunity for dialogue on community development, cultural understanding, and collaboration between people of Igbo descent in the United States and their counterparts in Nigeria.
As the conference continues, its central message remains the collective good of the Igbo people, with unity, cooperation, and development serving as the guiding principles expressed in its theme.
Further details about the conference are available on the AVID USA website at https://www.avidusa.org/conference/conferencemnt/.
