Obi Gibson Nwosu, the traditional ruler of Awka Community, has commended the people of Awka, particularly the youths, for their exemplary behavior during the recently concluded 2024 Egwu Imoka festival.

 

In an interview with newsmen, Obi Nwosu expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the Awka people throughout the festivities, which included masquerade displays and visits to Umuokpu and Opu Eke. He praised the community’s efforts in making the Egwu Imoka festival a tourist attraction and reiterated Awka’s commitment to cultural preservation and promotion.

 

Obi Nwosu acknowledged the challenges posed by the cosmopolitan nature of Awka, the capital of Anambra State, which has led to the infiltration of non-indigenes into the community’s culture and tradition.

 

He emphasized that culture and tradition of any community belong to the natives and said plans are under way for stakeholders to meet and discuss ways to internationalize the Egwu Imoka festival.

 

The traditional ruler expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Police and other law enforcement agencies for their cooperation in ensuring a peaceful and orderly conduct of the festival, calling for its sustainability.

 

He commended various groups involved in the festival’s organization, including the Ozo title holders, Eze-uzu cabinet members, Awka kingmakers and stakeholders, as well as various age grades for their efforts in successfully showcasing the Awka rich cultural heritage.

 

Obi Nwosu also commended the Soludo administration for its commitment to transforming Awka into a livable, green, and prosperous homeland, citing the ongoing road construction, new government house, and lodge projects as testaments to the governor’s dedication.

 

He re-assured Governor Soludo of the community’s support and prayers to his administration and charged Awka youths to avoid any behavior that could tarnish the community’s image.