The stage is now set for the maiden Ofala festival of the traditional ruler of Awa in Orumba North L.G.A, Igwe Israel Okeke Ezue, Dike One of Awa, taking place tomorrow at Igwe’s Palace. It will begin by 8am with a church service.

Awa, known for agricultural revolution, is made up of 12 villages. Israel Okeke Ezue became the sixteenth traditional ruler of the community after a keenly contested election on February 13, 2021 where he won with over five hundred votes, beating other four contestants. He has been duly issued with a certificate of recognition by the Anambra state government. His emergence followed the demise of Igwe Charles Mbadugha, who performed his last Ofala in 2015.

In tomorrow’s ofala, Igwe Ezue will pray for more peace and prosperity in Awa community. Governor Willie Obiano, Professor Chukwuma Soludo CFR, the Governor-elect of Anambra state, among other top government functionaries and traditional rulers are expected at the event.

Ofala is a ceremony where a traditional ruler celebrates the number of years he has been on the throne. The term, Ofala, is derived from two Igbo words – ofo, a symbol of traditional authority and ala signifying land.

The festival marks the end of a period of retreat when the traditional ruler remains incommunicado and undergoes spiritual purification during the week-long retreat. The traditional ruler emerges at the climax of the Ofala to bless his subjects and pray for the peace, unity and overall wellbeing of the community.

The maiden Ofala festival of Igwe Israel Okeke Ezue will provide an opportunity to honour hardworking, patriotic Igbo sons and daughters with chieftaincy titles.

Igwe Israel Okeke Ezue (JP) was born on May 24, 1969 at Umuefu village, Awa. He started his business endeavour in 1988 at Benin. He later moved to Kano, where God multiplied his ventures. With his business name, Whitegate International Ventures Limited, Igwe Israel Ezue rose to greater heights and became the sole importer of Maxxix and West Lake Tyres. He is also into hospitality industry. He established the WhiteGate Hotels in Awa.

Igwe Israel Ezue has, so far, employed over 1,000 people in his companies. He has a soft spot for his community, Awa, in his philanthropic ideals. He built houses for over thirty indigent people in Awa and empowered over 100 people, either to kick start or boost their businesses.

Igwe Israel Ezue, before he became the traditional ruler, was the Traditional Prime Minister of Awa. He has also been distributing shuttle buses, tricycles, commuter buses, trucks, tippers, and 911 Mercedes Benz lorries to youths in the town. Today, the youths in Awa have become contributors to socio-economic development of Awa and the larger society. Ultimately, the youths are not only fending for themselves, but are also becoming the bread winners of their families and the community at large.

Furthermore, Igwe Israel Ezue renovated the Afor Awa Market, as well as installed street lights in the community, thereby helping the State Government’s efforts to develop hitherto undeveloped parts of the state.

Again, Igwe Israel Ezue contributed in the building of the Reverend Father’s House, single handedly built the Grotto and the chapel, belfry, parameter fencing as well as the church gate at Saint Michael’s Church, Awa. He also contributed in building the church.

Igwe Israel Ezue is married to Lolo Ogochukwu Ezue, and the marriage is blessed with children. So, as Igwe Israel Ezue prepares for his Ofala tomorrow, members of the public are highly invited. To God be the glory!

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