Culture and traditions of a community, they say, depict who they are and define their way of life.

 

In line with this , Ndi Eziagulu Aguleri in Anambra East Council Area came out in their numbers to celebrate their “Onwa Isaa” also known as “Ikenga” Festival which is used to mark the end of farming season.

It is also called “Ọmụmụ”, child birth celebration.

 

The event which took place at Ama Umuala, Eziagulu Aguleri attracted the traditional ruler of Aguleri, Igwe Micheal Idigo, the President General of Aguleri Community Assembly, Chief Ifeanyi Iloakasia, members of the Ruling Council, Ndi Oji Ana, Iruovu and women groups.

It started with the entrance of Chief Uderike Onwukwe the custodian of Ikenga masquerade, accompanied by his age mates, Obinwanne Age Grade, Aguleri who danced round some strategic areas in the community followed by breaking of kola nuts by Igwe Micheal Idigo.

 

Speaking on the significance of the festival, Obi Eziagulu Aguleri, Chief Chinedu Udoba called on the people of the community to promote and preserve their culture and traditions as it is their heritage.

The President General, Aguleri Community Assembly, Chief Iloakasia noted that the annual festival signifies unity, peace and progress which the Ikenga artefacts represent and called on members of the community to come together, foster unity, showcase their culture and thank God for being with them all through the farming season till harvesting period.

 

In their separate speeches, the Chairman of Eziagulu Aguleri, Chief Micheal Obike and Vice Chairman, Ikenga Eziagulu Forum, Chief Fidelis Egbuche maintained that the festival brings progress, development and breakthrough, asking Ndi Aguleri to go back to their root.

Speaking on behalf of Obinwanne Age Grade, Chief Ekene Onuora, disclosed that the ceremony comes immediately after Alo muo, where they wrestle and whoever emerged the winner will be the custodian of Ikenga masquerade, while the Chairman of Planning Committee of the festival, Mr. Emmanuel Akwuo and his Secretary, Mr. Vincent Akora noted that the festival is what they are known for.

 

The festival featured wrestling by the male children of the community, displays by different age grades and the womenfolk.

 

 

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