NDIOKE IBAGWA-AKA AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY CELEBRATES THEIR FIRST OFALA FESTIVAL
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By Nkem Ossai
The people of Ndioke Ibagwa-Aka in Igbo-Eze South LGA, Enugu State, on Saturday 15th June 2024, celebrated their first ‘Ofala Festival’ with pomp and pageantry.
Speaking during the event, the Chairman of the occasion, former Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Dr. Peter Andy Omeje praised the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Emmanuel Emeka Urama and the organizers of the event for their resilience and continuous effort at bringing the people of the community together. He said, “Ndioke Ibagwa-Aka Autonomous Community is moving on as hoped.” He added that he remembers the doggedness of late HRH, Igwe Peter Urama in his dreams at having a separate and independent community. He said he is happy that his efforts did not go unrewarded.
Speaking further, the former Chairman of Igbo-Eze South LGA thanked HRH, Igwe Emmanuel Urama for upholding the visions of his father, urging him to keep it up, adding, “you have my support.” He congratulated the people of Ndioke Ibagwa-Aka and the young men to be conferred with Chieftaincy Titles.
Concluding, he said, “I will never regret being part of this autonomy or supporting the candidacy of Igwe Emmanuel in getting the throne..”
In his welcome address, the traditional ruler HRH, Igwe Emmanuel Emeka Urama pointed out that the creation of Ndioke Ibagwa-Aka Autonomous Community is another way of bringing community governance closer to the people. He added that OFALA festival is a time-honoured tradition that showcases the majesty and splendor of traditional kingdoms in Igbo land adding that the festival is the first of its kind in Akwebi Kingdom. He further said, “I am honoured by this great presence of your eminences and majesties. It is a testament to our believe in our tradition and customs.” He said, “this honour which made this event so colourful will never be taken for granted.” He thanked the Chairman of the occasion, the traditional rulers and guests for this effort.
The highlights of the event was the conferment of Chieftaincy Titles on four prominent men from Ibagwa-Aka community who have distinguished themselves as philanthropists, managers of industry and businessmen. Among whom were High Chief Levi Chukwuma Ezema, MD/CEO of First Focus Media Ltd. Lagos, and Principal Consultant with the Skywriters International Ltd. also in Lagos, Engr. (Sir) Celestine Emeka Eze, MD/CEO of Premier Aluminum Technologies Ltd. Port Harcourt, Associate Prof. (Dr.) Ugochukwu Eze, a Consultant Urologist, lecturer and Head, Department of Surgery, ESUT Teaching Hospital Parklane, Enugu and Engr. James Ifeanyichukwu Ajibo, former Director with the NNPC and member ESUT Governing Council.
In attendance were several traditional rulers among whom were: HRH, Igwe Hyacinth I. Eze of Ibagwa-Aka ancient kingdom, Igwe, Prof. Ikenna S. Omeje, of Edemani Amebo Ibagwa-Aka, Igwe Jerome Ugwu of Isi-Agu Ibagwa-Aka, HRH Igwe C.C. Nnamani, Likke Iheaka, HRH, Igwe Christopher Arua of Iheaka and many others. Also present was Hon. Harrison Ogara, Member Representing Igbo-Eze South in Enugu State House of Assembly. The great masquerades of Ibagwa-Aka, Alh. Jimo Rauf Badamosi (Kuzel), MD/CEO JRB Construction Ltd. Abuja and Amb. Simon Ejike Eze, IBTU President, Dr. Patrick Onah, NdTU, Hon. Chibuzo Onoja.
Other distinguished personalities were Very Rev. Fathers Anselem Omeje, Dr. Jude Odo, Dr. Mellitus Ezikeanyi, Igwe-ellect, Ozioko Sylvester Eze, Onowu Ede Sunday Omeke (Ugonabo), Hon. Dominic Ezema, Hon. Okechukwu Ukwueze, Edeoga-Eze Sunday Omeke (Aguiyi), Mr. Jacob Ugwu (JC Slash) who stood in for High Chief (Engr.) James Ifeanyichukwu Ajibo, Ndioke Cabinet members, several cultural troupes and traditional dancers also graced the occasion a day to remember. Yours sincerely was also there flesh and blood.
Various traditional troupes and dancers including the popular Ikorodo Unadu troupe and dancers.
