The Office of the Premier is pleased to host the official visit of Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, M.D., MPH, Regent of the Abagana Kingdom in Anambra State, Federal Republic of Nigeria, scheduled to take place in Montserrat from March 15–18, 2026. Dr. Anakwenze was appointed Regent following the passing of the previous traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Igwe Patrick Mbamalu Okeke. He formally received his Regent Certificate from the Government of Anambra State through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs. Prior to his appointment as Regent, Dr. Anakwenze, an American-based medical practitioner and businessman, served as the Onowu (Traditional Prime Minister) of Abagana Kingdom, a distinguished leadership role within the traditional governance structure. In his capacity as Regent, Dr. Anakwenze has championed community advancement initiatives including, medical outreach programmes, and other developmental efforts aimed at strengthening social cohesion and public health within Abagana. Dr. Anakwenze has also served in numerous leadership roles promoting African and diaspora interests. He is the Founding Chairman of the Igbo World Assembly, the umbrella body representing Ndi Igbo across more than 20 countries worldwide. His tour of Montserrat and other Eastern Caribbean territories forms part of this outreach entitled the Global Igbo Reconnection Initiative. The visit seeks to deepen structured and sustainable partnerships between the Igbo homeland in Southeast Nigeria, Igbo diaspora communities, and Caribbean societies with shared historical and cultural ties. Purpose of the Visit During his official visit to Montserrat, Regent Dr. Anakwenze and his delegation are expected to: • Pay courtesy calls on Senior Officials of the Government of Montserrat; • Engage with members of the Nigerian community resident in Montserrat; • Conduct a sacred ceremony honoring the memory of Igbo ancestors who were enslaved on the island and unveil a plaque to Igbo Abolitionist, Writer Olaudah Equiano who bought his freedom on Montserrat in 1766; and • Participate in select events associated with the island’s annual St. Patrick’s Festival. Cultural and Development Partnerships The University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) is the central institutional partner in the Igbo Reconnection Initiative. Through the leadership of Professor Chris Agbedo and its high-level Committee on the Igbo Cultural Village Project and Igbo Landing Monument Initiative, and the proposed Igbo–Gullah–Caribbean Cultural Heritage Institute (IGCCHI), are developing a formal framework to institutionalise academic, cultural, economic, and diplomatic linkages between: • The Igbo homeland in Southeast Nigeria; • Igbo diaspora communities; • The Gullah-Geechee communities of the United States; and • Caribbean territories with Igbo heritage connections, including Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, and Barbados. The strategic partner organizing and curating Igbo reconnection in Montserrat is Museum Without Walls Alliouagana a history and heritage entity led by Dr Clarice Barnes. Strategic Benefits for the Eastern Caribbean The Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, Barbados, and other Eastern Caribbean territories stand to gain tangible and long-term benefits through partnership with the University of Nigeria UNN as the institutional anchor of the Igbo Atlantic reconnection agenda. These benefits include: • Strengthened historical documentation and authentication of Igbo ancestry and heritage sites; • Enhanced museum, archival, and curriculum development supported by scholarly research; • Expanded cultural tourism opportunities rooted in verified African heritage connections; • Increased academic exchanges and research collaboration; and • Broader diplomatic and economic engagement between West Africa and the Caribbean. By grounding reconnection efforts in credible academic research and structured institutional collaboration, the initiative advances heritage preservation while opening new pathways for cultural diplomacy, education, and sustainable development. The Office of the Premier welcomes Regent Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze and his delegation to Montserrat and looks forward to meaningful engagements that further strengthen the bonds between Africa and the Caribbean.
