Enugwu-Ukwu community in Njikoka Council Area, over the weekend, buzzed with cultural activities as the town marked the celebration of its sixty-sixth Ịgụ Arọ festival.
The traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Ralph Ekpeh, also marked his thirteenth Igu Arọ at the event held at Obu Umunri, Enugwu-Ukwu.
The event drew participation of Enugwu-Ukwu residents, the entire Umunri clan, along with dignitaries, friends, and well-wishers eager to hear the traditional ruler’s insights for the year 2024.
The festival commenced with the arrival of cabinet Chiefs, adorned in red and white attire with their “okpu nkata” resting on their heads.
Igwe Ekpeh, accompanied by the cabinet Chiefs, entered the arena, dancing to the rhythmic Igbaeze music.
His wife, Dorathy Ekpeh, followed with Ndi Iyom and Ndi Otu Ọdụ Eze.
Felicitating the community, Governor Chukwuma Soludo represented by his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, prayed for long life of the king on the throne, thanking the community for their plans towards “Akụ Inu” revolution, which he noted aligning with the palm tree revolution in the state.
Addressing the plea towards repositioning the Enugwu Ukwu General Hospital, the Governor said the hospital used by the community and neighbors is very critical in the health sector of the state, and promised to look into numerous presentations received, even as he advised youths to engage in skills for their well-being.
Earlier, performing the ceremonial kolanut ritual and address, Igwe Ekpeh noted that last year was full of challenges, including, insecurity and walloping economy, urging the Federal Government to rise to the challenges and shared a message of peace, long life, good health, multiplication and a bountiful harvest for this new year.
While calling on the state government to construct their roads and set their hospital to standard, the traditional ruler, outlined numerous plans of the community towards her development, including “Akụ Inu” revolution”, building of modern markets and twenty-five feet tower, to enhance security.
He urged the community youths to desist from assault on elderly people of the town especially on the internet to avoid wrath of the God and curse.
The event was laced with the presentation of awards to some Ndi Enugwu ukwu, including Chief Theodore Malu and Chief Nebolisa Anakọ; for their efforts in developing the town.
Some Enugwu Ukwu cabinet Chiefs, including, the former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ànambra Broadcasting Service, Chief Uche Nworah, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba, Chief Henry Okolie-Aboh, and Ozo Obinna Nkwoji, rated this year’s Ịgụ aro festival as the best.
The event which attracted the Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, Comrade Don Onyenji, and other dignitaries, featured display of masquerades and cultural dances
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