As the people of Owerre Nchi Ise, comprising the five Autonomous communities in the Owerri Municipal city, Imo state celebrate this year’s ‘ Oru Owerre cultural festival, a prominent indigene of the area , Chief Chijioke Williams has
called on both the indigene and non-indigenes dwelling in the city to live in peace and harmony.
Speaking with newsmen while observing the festival in his country home in Owerri, the Imo state capital, Chief Williams, who is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, noted that the period of the festival is a period of peace, love and celebration.
He narrated the history of Owerre people, stating that during Oru Owerre, the people use the celebration to remember the sojourn of their progenitor, Ekwema from Umuorii Uratta to a place called Ugwu Ekwema where he finally settled, as a result of the quarrel that ensued between him and his brother after the death of their father in years past.
According to CDB Williams, as he is popularly called, Ekwema escaped being killed by his brother as a result of the said quarrel and settled in a place presently called Ekwema along Egbu Road, Owerri.
The former House of Representatives Candidate advised Owerre people not to forget their cultural heritage even as urbanisation has eroded the culture of the people. He stated that there is need for every Owere man to speak an undiluted Owere dialect which is a means of identification
Williams urged Owerre people to remain focused and maintain healthy relationship as brothers as well as avoid any form of dispute even as he acknowledged that it is not very easy for people to live in peace in an urban setting.
Thanking the state government for the rate of development in Owerri capital city,
he equality pointed out that the values and customs of the people should be preserved amidst the infiltration.
The SA further thanked the government for the rate of infrastructural development in Owerri Capital city,noting that his people appreciate same.
