The traditional ruler of Umueri, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Sir Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka, JP, Oke-ebo the second, Umueri Royal Cabinet, Umueri General Assembly and the entire Umueri community, will tomorrow, Saturday 11th February 2023 celebrate the sixth Ovala Umueri tagged “Ovala Iveoma” at Igwe’s Palace, Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area by 12 noon.
Ovala Umueri is the highpoint of the Umueri traditional calendar of Igu aro, Ili onwa ato, iwa ji, Ili onwa isa before the igba ovala by the traditional ruler and his subjects to mark the Monarch’s successful year on the throne. It is a time of homecoming for Ndi Umueri at home and in the diaspora to pay homage and tribute to their monarch. The ovala festival promotes peace, love and unity among ndi Umueri.
The people of Umueri, their friends, associates, traditional rulers from other communities, different groups, individuals and well wishers will gather at the palace of Igwe Oke-ebo the second, at No 2 Igwe Sir Ben Emeka road, Odabor Umueri, the venue for the event where the rich cultural heritage of Umueri will be showcased.
Igwe Oke-ebo the second and his wife, Ocheze Lady Chinwe in company of the Umueri Royal cabinet members will dance to Igbaeze tune for his sixth Owuwa dance.
Each year, Ovala Umueri introduces a unique and new event. This year’s edition will celebrate the good things that has come to Umueri since the coronation of Igwe Oke -ebo the second. Ndi Umueri are grateful to God for keeping them alive to see the completion and full operations of Anambra International Passenger and Cargo Airport built in the community which has opened the gateway of Umueri to the
world, making it a hub for business activities. Igwe Emeka is now popularly called, “Igwe Nwelu Airport” as it took place during his reign as OKE- EBO the second of Umueri Ancient kingdom.
Umueri town has also witnessed tremendous and massive economic and socio- political developments in the past few years that it is today referred to as the “New York ” of Omambala. Under the Community Choose Your Project Initiative of the immediate past administration of Governor Willie Obiano, Ndi- Umueri built a befitting Ultra- Modern Civic Centre at Ama- Umueri and another befitting storey building at OKE- EBO Estate, Aguakor, Umueri housing the Centre for Research In Igbo History and Culture, Umueri.
Other government projects attracted by Igwe Emeka were the construction of AVIA- AMA , Umudiana- Ogbu / Mgbede/ Onitsha, Adani Road project, construction of Shell Road ,Otu ọcha, renovation and beautification of Umueri General Hospital by the Governor Chukwuma Soludo government, awarding and construction of some major roads in Otuocha including Airport Road, Umueri by the past and present administrations in Anambra State and the appointment of Ndi Umueri into various public positions and government offices. Umueri will continue to appreciate God for stopping all manners of intra and inter communual crisis.
All these and other numerous good tidings made Ndị Umueri to tag the 6th Ovala Umueri “Ovala Iveoma Meelu Ndi Umueri”.
The enthronement of Igwe Emeka as the traditional ruler of Umueri in 2017 after 21 years the community stayed without a monarch was the beginning of a new dawn in Umueri Oke-ebo. No doubt, when the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice. Igwe Oke-ebo the second of Umueri has been a blessing to Umueri community.
The 6th Ovala Iveoma Umueri 2023 is special as there will be conferment of chieftaincy title on deserving citizens of Anambra State by Igwe Emeka, cultural displays and dances, homage to Igwe Oke-ebo by all and sundry among other.
entertainment. Mr Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the Executive Governor of Anambra state will be the Chief guest of honour while the Royal Father of the day will be His Majesty, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Agbogidi, Obi of Onitsha.
On Sunday, 12th February 2023, Igwe Oke-ebo the second, his wife, family members, members of Umueri Royal Cabinet and indeed the entire Ndi Umueri, accompanied by their friends, will attend the Ovala thanksgiving service at Immanuel Anglican Church, Umueri, by 9am. This is in keeping with Igwe Sir Benneth Emeka’s style of rounding off his major activities with thanksgiving to the Almighty God.
You are all welcome to this unique 6th ovala Iveoma Umueri 2023 of Igwe Oke-ebo the second of Umueri kingdom, the cradle of Igbo civilization.
To God be the glory.
Written by PRINCESS NGOZI OKOYE
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