Awka, the capital of Anambra state, stands still today as the people celebrate the biennial Egwu Uzu Festival of Obi Dr. Gibson Nwabueze Nwosu (OON), Eze Uzu the Second of Awka. The festival, tagged, “IVE EJI MALU AWKA”, also marks the 21st anniversary of the monarch’s ascension to the throne.

Before ascending the throne in 1998, Obi Nwosu has held various positions in Awka. For instance, he was a President-General of Awka Development Union Nigeria (ADUN) for two terms. Because of his qualitative service, Awka community, during this tenure, conferred him with chieftaincy title of “Icheku Awka” by Obi Alfred Ndigwe, Eze Uzu the first.

Obi Gibson Nwosu is a pioneer member of the Nigerian Air Force. He retired as Squadron Leader. He later served the Old Anambra State Government as Chairman, Anambra State Environmental Protection Agency (ANSEPA). Obi Gibson Nwosu is a Major in the Knight of the Catholic Church.

This year’s Egwu Uzu festival and 21st anniversary of his ascending the throne take place at the Awka Civic Centre, near the Awka City Stadium. Governor Willie Obiano (Akpokuedike) is the Chief Guest of Honour, while Senator Ben Ndi Obi (CON), Ojeligbo, Oku Uzu Na Agbaze Igwe, is the Special Guest of Honour. Former Minister of Health, Professor ABC Nwosu Oshighere-Mkpume is the Chairman of the occasion. Obi Nwosu is also conferring chieftaincy titles on some citizens, including Chief Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Group.

Awka is unique in many aspects. Awka is one of the oldest settlements in Igbo land, which produced the earliest documented bronze works in sub-Saharan Africa around 800AD and was the cradle of Igbo civilization.

Egwu Uzu was crafted from the blacksmithing wizardry for which Awka people are known. Blacksmithing has taken Awka citizens to many places. The gate of the Buckingham Palace of Queen Elizabeth the Second of England was crafted by an Awka man, Ogbuefi John Uzoka from Umuogbu village. It was because of Awka technology that the then Governor of old Anambra state, Chief Jim Nwobodo, established the then Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH) in Awka, with the son of the soil, Professor Kenneth Dike as its first Vice Chancellor.

During the civil war, Awka blacksmiths were fabricating locally made pistols and guns that assisted Ndigbo for self defence. They also cast keys, gold bracelets and defunct Biafran coins. Awka blacksmith can fabricate anything under the sun and it was on this premise that Egwu Uzu was born.

Obi Alfred Ndigwe was the first traditional ruler to introduce Egwu Uzu Festival, which has been sustained by the Eze Uzu the Second, Obi Gibson Nwosu. So, as Obi Gibson celebrates the Egwu Uzu today, Awka people, comprising 33 villages, should rally round him for the development of Awka.

The reign of Obi Nwosu has brought many benefits to Awka. As at the last count, there are over two hundred and forty hotels; all attracted during the reign of Obi Gibson Nwosu. In 1963, when Obi Nwosu was a Nigerian Air Force Trainee Pilot Cadet in Royal Canadian Air force, he read in the press that the Governor of West Virginia, USA donated 30 hectares of land to black immigrants who worked hard in the world famous Virginia Tobacco Farms. He cut out the paper and saved it.

After retiring, Eze Uzu visited West Virginia, USA and discovered that many other African communities had established their presence inside the 30 hectares donated land. On returning to Awka, he presented a memo to the then Governor Peter Obi and pleaded for his assistance to go back and establish Awka Blacksmith Workshop there. Assistance was granted but not enough. Later, when Governor Obiano came on board, adequate assistance was provided and Awka blacksmith workshop was established in Igbo village in West Virginia. Today, it has been a huge tourist attraction.

What the entire people of Awka owe Obi Gibson Nwabueze Nwosu is their total support and loyalty, to enable him continue with his people-oriented programmes and policies which will lead Awka to an Eldorado.

Awka Muonu, Zuonu, Kachanu, Awka Bulunuoo!

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