As Awka Community prepares for the celebration of this year’s Egwu imoka festival, the traditional Ruler of Awka Obi Gibson Nwosu has cautioned non indigenes against infiltrating the cultural norms and values of Awka Community.

 

Speaking in an exclusive interview with newsmen, Obi Nwosu described the Egwu imoka festival as part of the efforts made by the people of Awka to promote their culture and tradition and warned non-indigenes of Awka against disrespecting the rich cultural heritage of the community, reminding them that, they can only witness the ceremony and not to participate like the natives.

 

Obi Nwosu, who maintained that the culture and tradition of any community belongs to its indigenes alone, warned that any non-indigene or indigene of Awka found causing trouble during this year’s Egwu Imoka festival would be apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.

 

Describing Awka as a cosmopolitan City in view of its capital status, the traditional ruler urged youths who are engaging in masquerading to stay off the major roads and other highways within the capital city.

 

He advised youths to confine masquerading to village squares, saying that the annual Egwu Imoka festival of Awka Community should be seen as a festival that normally creates conviviality and friendship and not enmity.

 

Obi Nwosu while wishing the people of Awka Community a remarkable 2024 Egwu imoka festival, charged the people to remain law abiding, in addition to protecting all the facilities put in place by the government against vandalization.

 

He charged various groups responsible for ensuring peaceful conduct during the annual Egwu imoka festival to step up efforts to ensure that sanity prevails during and after the event.