As the people of Awka celebrate the 2023 Egwu Imoka’ festival, women and daughters of the Community including others from different communities came out in their numbers to observe the Opu-Eke which is part of the ceremony.
The day is set aside for women and daughters of Awka to venerate and offer sacrifices to the revered Awka deity, Imoka at Nkwo Amaenyi.
The acting Chief Priest of Imoka, Mr. Nwamma Nnakee emphasized that the event is now celebrated the right way it was done in years past to show the culture of Awka people and prayed that the deity should make Awka and its people prosperous and better.
One of the women celebrating the Opu Eke Egwu Imoka, Mrs. Virginia Umeadi expressed joy for the day saying that the festival passed down from generations will be sustained.
Another female ardent of Imoka Mrs. Mmilimaraugo Chiwuba who came with gifts said that she has always been part of the celebration right from childhood and her requests were always attended to.
Popular Awka musician, Mr. Ifesinachi Eze popularly known as Osama Malaika, explained that the day comes after four traditional market days that Awka visited Umuokpu Awka to let them know of the coming festivities and Opu Eke is a special day women use to pray and offer sacrifices for the growth of the community.
Mr. Eze explained that the festival is as old as time, as the deity has played prominent role in Awka history and tradition, praying for peace, progress and growth of Awka.
Simon Onyekachukwu, an Awka youth who came back from abroad to celebrate the unique culture of Awka said the festival has been there for ages , urging Awka youth to be steadfast and work for the progress of the community.
prominent Awka sons and personalities, including former Deputy Inspector General of Police, Chief Celestine Okoye, an Awka youth leader, Mr Nwokoye Nwosu and others were part of the celebration.
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