History was made in Awa Orumba North Local Government Area when the traditional Ruler of the community Igwe Israel Ezue performed his maiden ofala festival amid pomp and pageantry.
The ofala is the first to be performed by a traditional Ruler in the history of Awa Community.
Blessing Uchendu was there for the ABS and reports that the event which took place at the palace of the traditional ruler, attracted members of the clergy, traditional rulers from Orumba North and beyond, government functionaries, captains of industry, sons and daughters of the community both from home and in the diaspora.
Igwe Ezue, alongside his wife, Lolo Ogochukwu, dressed in royal regalia, accompanied by cabinet chiefs, elders and youths of the town, went round the community chanting solidarity songs backed by the Uvie music, appreciating God for granting their heart desire in the traditional ruler.
The twelve villages that make up Awa town were fully represented during the ceremony.
In his Ofala message, the traditional ruler while appreciating God for his unending grace, reassured that his reign would sustain peaceful and harmonious coexistence among Awa people and appreciated them for keeping the faith and supporting him.
Igwe Ezue also called for peace and unity for robust development in the community.
On their parts, the Traditional Prime Minister of Awa, Professor Obiajulu Obikeze and the President-General of Awa Development Union, Dr Raymond Ofor, stressed that peace remains the panacea for sustainable development, and urged the community to align with the traditional ruler in achieving his vision and mission.
Others who spoke to the ABS including the Chairman of Orumba North Traditional Rulers’ Council and the Traditional Ruler of Nanka, Igwe Godwin Ezeilo, Igwe Johnmark Anyaoha of Ogbunka Chief Innocent Ezue, some cabinet members, including Chief Okwuchukwu Okafor and Chief Ernest Okafor, described Igwe Ezue as a man of wisdom who uses his resources to serve his community, and prayed God to continue to bless and keep him.
Earlier in a mass which was officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Most Reverend Peter Okpalaeke to herald the festival, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Reverend Jonas-Benson Okoye, advised Igwe Ezue to always carry his people along while calling on Ndi Awa to give him maximum support.
Among those that attended the event were the Deputy Majority leader of Anambra State House of Assembly, Sir Emeka Aforka, the Chairman transition committee of Orumba North Local Government Area Mrs Ify Obinabo, the President Rotary club of Awka Nnamdi Azikiwe University Rotarian Abuchi Nwozor, a Frontline philanthropist Chief Chieloka Agbasimelo, representatives of Maxxis International company limited among others.
The event featured special prayers for Igwe Ezue and his cabinet members by the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, presentation of certificates to his cabinet members, conferment of chieftaincy titles on deserving individuals, cultural displays and paying of homage.
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