The good people of Awaka Autonomous Community in Owerri North LGA, trooped out enmass in their colourful attires last Saturday to mark this year’s “Ita Oka” Awaka cultural festival.
The cultural festival showcasing the rich tradition of the people was presided over by HRM Eze Akujobi David Osuagwu, the Ezikoche II of Awaka Ancient Kingdom, while several other Traditional rulers also came to play their solidarity to him.
Traditional Chieftaincy titles were conferred on the crown prince, Obinna Onyekachi Davids Osuagwu, Chief Prof. Alexander D. Wozuzu Acholonu, Chief Mr & Mrs Ugochukwu and Joy Orjiegbulam, Chief Alex Muruako, and Chief Mr & Mrs Uzoma Nwachukwu.
A team from Governor Hope Uzodinma led by Secretary to the Imo Government, Hon. (Chief) Cosmas Iwu and Chief of Staff Government House, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie where at the Palace of Eze Awaka to commemorate with the people, used the occasion to present a goodwill message from the Governor.
“Today is a unique and historical day not only for you but Awaka people as an ancient kingdom. His Excellency would have, as your friend and brother, loved to be physically here, but for strong reasons he couldn’t and had to ask us to come and be with you.
“We thank you immensely for what we have seen which shows Awaka is a peaceful Community, the young men and women are happy which indicates that the youths, elders and traditional ruler are working in harmony and that is what government wants. Government will continue to support you and your community to have peace and development”, the SSG said.
He averred that once there is peace, it means government is doing well and which results to development and opined that once there is crisis progress will be stagnated.
“There is no how you will have crisis and expect development, so we are using this opportunity to assure you that the leadership of Governor Uzodinma will continue to support you and other communities to develop themselves” he added
Chief Iwu while emphasizing noted that Government is desirous of a peaceful polls, also used the opportunity to drum support for a violence free November 11 guber elections. While, urging the Royal Fathers to appeal to politicians to be patient and play by the rules.
“Soon we shall be having elections, which of cause is not a do or die affairs, there is no way we can have two governors, or two Council Chairmen with the same elections. That not possible, pls tell them to take it easy, eight years in the life of a nation, or the life of Imo State, or the life of a community or even a person is not much if it’s not your turn today it could be tomorrow. He enthused.
In his Responds, the Traditional Ruler of Awaka appreciated the State Governor for sending a high-powered delegation to grace the occasion maintaining that his people have always been committed to the maintenance of peace. While stating that in conjunction with Traditional Rulers from his Owerri Zone they have been working to ensure a free and fare electionary campaign polls is achieved.
Speaking, the Chairman of the Eze ‘s Cabinet, Chief Linus Emezi stressed the need for people to preserve their cultural heritage. He explained that the festival is not fettish.
Dignitaries at the occasion are; the Chairman of APC, Sir Macdonald Ebere Ph.d, former Chairman of APC, Chief Marcellus Nlemigbo, APC apex leader, Lemmy Akakem (Akpataozuoha), Eze Imo, HRM Eze Emma Okeke, Chairman Imo Elders Council, HRM Eze Dr Cletus Ilomuanya, HRH Eze Jude Nworgu, Secretary Owerri Zone Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Obi Ejeshi, Ezeukwu IV of Ezedibia of Emekuku Ancient Kingdom, HRH Eze Sabinus, Ahiazu Mbaise, HRH Eze Nwaturuocha, Aboh Mbaise, HRH Eze Oliver Njoku, Obazu in Ikeduru LGA, SA on Security to the Governor, CP Okoro rtd, Barr. Tony Umezuruike, SOLAD Owerri North LGA, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, Chief Hon. CDB Williams, SA to the Governor on Environment, Barr. Willie Amadi, the Traditional Rulers from the nine LGAs of Owerri Zone among others
