Awka, the capital of Anambra state, will stand still on Thursday January 5, 2023 as the people of the community celebrate the twelfth 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 24th anniversary of the monarch’s ascension to the throne.
Before ascending the throne in 1998, Obi Nwosu held different positions in Awka. For instance, he was President-General, Awka Development Union Nigeria (ADUN) for two terms. Because of his qualitative service, Awka community, during his 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 Sanitation Agency (ASESA). Obi Gibson Nwosu is a major in the Knighthood of the Catholic Church. He also served as the Chancellor of Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto for eight years.
This year’s Egwu Uzu festival and 24th anniversary of his ascending the throne will take place at Awka Civic Centre, near the Awka City Stadium. Governor Chukwuma Soludo CFR, is expected as the Chief Guest of Honour, while Prince Engr Arthur Eze, OFR, Ọzọigbondu is the Guest of Honour. Senator Dr Ben Ndii Obi, Ojeligbo, Ọkụ Ụzụ na-agbaze igwe is the Host while High Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Dikeorah Ndigbo, Chairman, United Nigeria Airline will be the Chairman of the occasion.
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 Nwosu celebrates the Egwu Uzu this Thursday, Awka people, comprising thirty-three 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 sixty 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 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 become 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 her el dorado.
Awka Muonu, Zuonu, Kachanu, Awka Bulunuoo!
Written by ABUCHI NWOZOR
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