Awka Community says its attention has been drawn to the recent Anambra State Government announcement suspending all cultural festivals across the State including the Egwu Imoka festival as part of measures to prevent the spread of Corona virus pandemic which is currently ravaging the International Community.
A statement jointly signed by the Traditional Ruler of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu and the President-General of Awka Development Union Nigeria, Chief Tony Okechukwu said that though the suspension of this year’s Egwu Imoka festival by the government over COVID-19 pandemic is regrettable, the people of Awka are advised to abide by the government order which was done to save lives.
While acknowledging the great significance of the Egwu Imoka cultural festival in promoting the rich cultural heritage of Awka Community, Obi Nwosu and Chief Okechukwu in the joint statement maintained that the prevailing circumstances call for sacrifice.
Awka Community urges Masquerades, Opu Eke women, Osonogba Umuokpu associated with Egwu Imoka cultural festival to keep off the streets and highways in view of the government directives over Corona virus pandemic.
The statement commended the Anambra State and Federal Government, Nigeria Center for Disease Control as well as the World Health Organization for their collaborative effort to contain the pandemic calling for its sustenance.
It called on the people of Awka to abide by all the COVID-19 protocols while advising the Eze Imoka to carry out the essential spiritual aspects of the festival at the Imoka shrine alone following all the guidelines on COVID-19 as directed by the government and other relevant health bodies.
The release by the leadership of Awka Community urged all celebrants of the Egwu Imoka cultural festival to make merry in their individual homes with the unique avbulu soup in commemoration of the culture.
They prayed for the long life of the people of Awka as they observe this year’s Egwu Imoka in accordance with the COVID-19 protocols urging them to brace for symbolic festival in 2021.
Comments are closed for this post.