The cordial relationship between Nigeria and the United States of America will be further deepened on 27 July 2024, when indigenes and stakeholders of the cities of Onitsha and Indianapolis converge to celebrate the prestigious Umu-Onitshaamaka Gala Night.
The Special Guest of Honour will be the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, while his red cap chiefs and close associates will also be in attendance.
The Mayor of Indianapolis, Mayor Joe Hogsett, and some city officials will also attend the historic gala event, which is scheduled to take place at the Global Village, 4253 Lafayette Road, Indianapolis.
According to one of the organisers, Henry Onochie, the complete event schedule spans two days.
Friday, 26 July will feature Sister City Plaque ceremony between the Mayor and Obi of Onitsha at the City-County Building, Indianapolis from Noon to 3 pm. It is open to the public.
The next day will witness Town Hall meeting between Obi of Onitsha and all Onitsha indigenes. The Questions-and-Answers session will hold at the Global Village, Indianapolis from Noon to 2 pm.
Later that day (Saturday), there will be a Grand Gala at the Global Village, Indianapolis from 4:30 pm to midnight.
Highlights of the event include:
- Men and Women Cultural Dance
- Children and Youth Cultural Dance Masquerade
- The best of Highlife and Afrobeat music.
- Authentic Igbo and African cuisine
The organisers said that tickets and all donations in cheques should be made to Umu-Onitshaamaka of Indiana Inc. and mailed to 10634 Cyrus Drive, Indianapolis, IN46231, while Zelle payments should be made in favour of Umuonitshaamaka@gmail.com. Further inquiries are to be directed to umuonitshaamaka2gmail.com or 317 250 9597.
Onitsha is one of Nigeria’s leading commercial hubs. It is one of the 10 Indianapolis Sister Cities International (ISCI). It is the only African city in the ISCI programme aimed at forging mutually beneficial partnerships that realise and strengthen historical bonds, encourage cultural and technical exchanges, increase youth education opportunities, develop a diverse economy, and collaborate in tackling emerging issues.
The city of Indianapolis established a sister city relationship with Onitsha in 2017. Onitsha is Indiana’s ninth sister city but the first in Africa.
Mayor Hogsett said: “As Indianapolis continues to grow and expand its role in the global economy, partnering with a diverse portfolio of cities around the world will be vital to our future success.
“And it’s no coincidence that we, the Crossroads of America, have connected with Onitsha, which is considered the commercial crossroads of Nigeria. Onitsha is a leader in commerce, education, and transportation in West Africa. They have also shown a commitment to economic and workforce development, renewable energy, environmental preservation, growth of the tech sector, and promotion of its cultural assets and traditions”.
