By Peter Onyekachukwu 
……Showcases Anioma, Ika Culture
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Nigerian community in the United States was recently aglow with pride and cultural colour as prominent Anioma and Ika indigenes from Delta State gathered in Charlotte, North Carolina, to celebrate one of their own, Dr Anne Ighade, following her conferment with a Doctorate in Business Administration from the prestigious University of North Carolina.
Dr Ighade, who hails from Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area and is married to renowned U.S.-based pediatrician Dr Andrew Ighade of Agbor in Ika South, was honoured in a grand celebration that blended academic excellence with rich traditional display from Delta State.
The event, attended by a cross-section of Deltans across the U.S., transcended a mere graduation party. It served as a moment of pride for the Anioma nation and a tribute to a woman described by many as the epitome of brilliance, humility, and virtue.
Grand Knight Emeritus Sir Tonna Okei, also known as Ikuku Oma and Asoju Oba of Oyotunji, opened the cultural aspect of the celebration in full Agbor traditional regalia. Accompanied by his wife, Yeye Asoju Oba Dr Toyin Okei, he presented a symbolic wine gift to Chief Obi Melekwe, the Obazenu of Owa, who acted as the traditional father of the day. The chief offered prayers and blessings for Dr Ighade, applauding her for representing the Ika and Anioma people with dignity.
Speaking on the sidelines, Sir Tonna Okei praised the honouree’s exemplary life: “Dr Anne Ighade is a pride to both Agbor and Ibusa. Her humility, intelligence, and character are unmatched. That is why our people travelled from all corners of America to honour her. She’s not just a good woman—she is a remarkable wife to our son and a respected daughter of Delta State.”
Other dignitaries, including Dr Bernard Orewa, Pharmacist Sunny Obuseh, Barrister Anthony Onwordi (represented by his wife Cecilia), and Prof Loretta Evivie, echoed similar sentiments, describing Dr Ighade as a beacon of excellence in the diaspora.
Dr Uvoh Onoriobe, who served as the Master of Ceremony, called her “a woman of grace and discipline, whose achievements reflect the values of her heritage.”
The high-energy gathering also served as a showcase of Anioma and Ika unity in the diaspora, with traditional music, group photographs, cultural dances, and refreshments lighting up the occasion.
In her brief remarks, a visibly elated Dr Anne Ighade thanked the community for the overwhelming support. “This is not just my achievement it is ours. I am deeply grateful to my family, community, and friends who have stood by me,” she said.
The celebration underscored the growing visibility and influence of the Nigerian diaspora in global academic and cultural spaces, particularly from Delta State.