It was a beehive of cultural activities as the traditional ruler of Akwaeze Community in Anaocha Local Government Area, Igwe Christopher Okpala recently performed his third Ofala festival.
The colorful Ofala festival held at the Palace of Igwe Okpala brought together sons and daughters of the community, as well as other traditional rulers, political office holders, friends and well-wishers from neighbouring communities and beyond.
Special Chieftaincy conferment and awards were bestowed on three personalities, including Senator Chris Ngige, as ‘Ochendo Akwaeze’, Chief Mike Agbasi as ‘Chinwatakweaku Akwaeze’ and Chief Eugene Ilo, as ‘Enyiwaluzo Akwaeze’.
During the Ofala festival, Igwe Okpala in company of his wife, Ndi Ichie, Nze na Ozo and other Chiefs dressed in royal robes, performed the Igbaeze dance round the Ofala arena exchanging pleasantries to the admiration of the guests.
The dance was followed by Kolanut rituals as Igwe Okpala prayed for God’s blessings on the land of Akwaeze for bountiful harvest, long life upon Akwaeze sons and daughters as well as good health and prosperity.
In his address, Igwe Okpala stated that the third Ofala festival provided the Akwaeze Community with the opportunity to celebrate their unity and love, display their rich cultural heritage in all its splendor and also served as an opportunity for him to address the community.
In his remark, a member of the Akwaeze Traditional Council and Business Mogul, Sir Ikenna Okafor, prayed for long life and prosperity on Igwe Okpala, describing him as a unifier and peace maker.
The new President-General of the town, Osita Udemba said that since inception as traditional ruler, Igwe Okpala has brought total transformation, modernized their culture and place high premiums on helping the needy and down trodden, as well as strengthening the bond and relationship between Akwaeze and their neighbouring communities.
On his part, the Chairman of the 2023 Ofala Festival Committee, Chief Eugene Ilo stated that the Ofala festival was a way of showing appreciation to God for what he has done for the people of Akwaeze, and as well to display their rich tradition and cultural heritage to other communities calling on Ndi Akwaeze to continue with their support for Igwe Okpala who is utilizing his wealth of resources and knowledge to reposition the community, even as the Chairman of Ugwumba Age Grade, Comrade Maduka Okoye expressed his joy to witness the 2023 Ofala festival of Akwaeze.
Highpoints of the occasion were paying of homages and appreciations to Igwe Okpala by all the age grades, Chieftaincy title holders, guests and well-wishers.
There were also masquerade displays, traditional dances and Ufie dance by the newly decorated Chiefs joined by the old ones.
A retinue of traditional rulers in the state led by their Chairman, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe were on ground to felicitate and celebrate with Igwe Akwaeze.
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