The traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Sir Benneth Emeka, has commemorated his fifth Ovala festival at his palace at Udabor Umueri, Anambra East Council Area.
The annual festival, which also marks its annual Igu-Aro is a great celebration for the people of the community as the indigenes, both at home and in the diaspora returned for the celebration which serves as an avenue for them to champion a course for sustainable peace, unity and development of the community.
Correspondent Njideka Okoye reports that members of the community in traditional attires, the Agbalanzes, the Duurus, Umuadas, the Umueri Royal Cabinet displayed the cultural heritage of their community just as Igwe Emeka accompanied by Umueri Royal Cabinet performed his fifth Owuwa Dance.
Breaking the kola nut, Igwe Emeka prayed for sustainable peace between Umueri and its neighbours noting that war never promoted development in any society.
He commended Governor Willie Obiano for government projects in Umueri and thanked Umueri people for their support to his leadership , while advising youths to refrain from the intake of hard drugs and engaging in any act that can tarnish their image and that of their community.
In their remarks, the Director Media and Communication, South East Governor’s Forum and Head of Media Team, of the royal institution, Chief Mike Udah and the Cabinet Secretary, Princess Ngozi Okoye, commended Igwe Emeka for his leadership style, noting that it has attracted tremendous development to Umueri Community.
On their parts, some of the cabinet members, including Chief Charles Ogugua and Chief Joseph Udekwe said that Umueri is blessed with Igwe Emeka as its traditional ruler, describing him as a man of wisdom, who uses his resources to serve his community and prayed God to continue to keep and bless him.
The event, which climaxed with cultural dances, masquerading and other displays, attracted traditional rulers from within and outside Anambra State, government functionaries, industrialists, friends and well-wishers who paid homage to Igwe Emeka.
Earlier during a non-denominational service conducted by Venerable Nnamdi Amutigwe of Anglican Diocese of Amichi, an indigenous priest, Archbishop Maduemeka Udobi, who spoke on “prayer” listed different kinds of prayers and urged leaders to anchor their leadership in Jesus Christ to achieve the purpose of God for the people.
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