The Ahiajoku Centre, Owerri, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned artist and cultural icon, Ndaa Paddy Obinna, the designer of the iconic Ahiajoku logo, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the promotion and preservation of Igbo language, culture and heritage.
In a press statement signed by the Director General of the Ahiajoku Centre, Hon. Nze Ray Emeana, the Centre said Obinna’s death marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in the history of Igbo arts and culture, noting that his creative vision gave the Ahiajoku logo its enduring identity as a symbol of the resilience and rich heritage of the Igbo people.
According to the statement, Ndaa Paddy Obinna was one of Nigeria’s foremost creative talents and earned national recognition when he represented Imo State at the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC ’77), where he showcased the richness of Igbo artistic heritage on the international stage.
The Centre noted that beyond designing the Ahiajoku logo, Obinna dedicated his life to documenting and preserving Igbo artistic traditions, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire artists, scholars and cultural advocates across generations.
The statement further described the late artist as an invaluable resource person who remained committed to the Ahiajoku Centre until his passing, freely offering his knowledge, ideas and professional expertise whenever called upon in support of initiatives aimed at promoting Igbo culture.
“His dedication was the kind rarely found today, offered freely and without reservation, in service of something greater than himself,” the statement read.
The Ahiajoku Centre said Obinna’s death is a significant loss not only to his family and the Centre but also to the wider community of arts and culture enthusiasts throughout Igboland and beyond.
The Centre extended its heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family, friends and admirers, praying for strength and comfort for them during the period of mourning.
As part of efforts to immortalise the late artist, the Ahiajoku Centre announced that it would collaborate with his family, friends and stakeholders in the arts and cultural community to organise a befitting memorial programme in celebration of his life and enduring contributions to the preservation and promotion of Igbo cultural heritage.
