Umuchu community in Aguata Council Area of Anambra State erupted in colour, rhythm, and excitement as they hosted a spectacular Maiden Carnival on 29th December, 2025, to mark the 22nd Ofala festival of their royal father, HRH Igwe Godson Ezechukwu.
The event themed: “Umuchu First”, which was sponsored by an illustrious son of Umuchu, High Chief Abraham Ikechukwu Otti, popularly known as Mighty Mighty, Ikenga Umuchu ji eje mba, drew indigenes and visitors alike in celebrating unity, culture and youth empowerment.
From Community Secondary School Field, Ibughubu, Umuchu the carnival train journeyed through the Express Road to Nkwo Umuchu and ended at the Umuchu Mini Stadium where various cultural troupes, youths, men and women groups and masquerades showcased exciting performances that thrilled the audience.
Addressing the community, the traditional ruler of Umuchu, Igwe Godson Ezechukwu, expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the community through the unity of purpose that has become the guiding principle of the town, and prayed for lasting peace, unity, and continuous development in Umuchu.
The chairman of the occasion, High Chief Okwudili Otti commended High Chief Abraham Otti for hosting the event and enjoined every Umuchu indigene to support the great strides being taken to make Umuchu not only the place to be, but as a one and indivisible community that places the good, progress and development of Umuchu first before individual interests, calling on every Umuchu man and woman to key into the new community mantra of Umuchu first.
In a welcome address, the President General, Umuchu Improvement Union Representative Assembly, UIURA, Hon. Ifeanyi Emegwa welcomed everyone and assured of the commitment of the town union to the growth and development of Umuchu in all sectors, noting that the unity of Umuchu should be the priority for everyone as the town union plans for better educational facilities, provision of water in all sections of Umuchu, human capital development, and youth empowerment to eradicate poverty in the community.
In a remark, the Mayor of Aguata Local Government Area, Prince Dr. Chibueze Ofobike commended the initiators of the Maiden Ofala Carnival which he described as a powerful platform for entertainment, youth empowerment and social progress.
While gifting a whopping 30 million Naira to support the education of Umuchu youths writing WAEC in the next three years, Prince Dr. Ofobuike stressed that any child of school age found loitering during school hours will be arrested and promised to support Umuchu youths, women and workers.
In their separate comments, the major financier of the carnival, High Chief Abraham Ikechukwu Otti; the Chairman of the Ofala festival, Chief Chuks Ononuju; the Chairman of the Carnival, Chief Emmanuel Obiagwu and the Chief Coordinator of the Carnival, Chief Chimezie Ike described the carnival as a historic and memorable outing that has succeeded in bringing everyone together in Umuchu, and reminded Umuchu Indigenes to place Umuchu’s development above personal interests.
In their separate comments, High Chief Chris Ezeoguine; Nze Hyginus Ezeamama; Prince Nnaemeka Ezechukwu; Chief Anthony Enemmuo, Chief Nnamdi Ezechukwu, Chief Oliver Anulunkor, and Chief Innocent Ezeoha described the carnival as unique, and heart warming, calling for its continuity as a unifying force for the community.
On their parts, the chairman of Ndi Ichie Umuchu, Ichie Christian Okafor; the Umuchu Youth Leader, Engineer Chijioke Ononuju, and the Chairperson of the wives of Umuchu Cabinet Chiefs, Lolo May Ononuju, noted that the event was aimed at empowering youths and steering them away from crime, and prayed for God’s blessings on the organizers, sponsors, and the entire Umuchu community.
Highlights of the carnival were costume parade, dances and the presentation of empowerment items from High Chief Abraham Ikechukwu Otti such as Tricycles, motorcycles, ladies Machines among others to different beneficiaries; as well as a donation of ten million Naira by High Chief Johnbosco Onunkwo to 10 selected persons across Umuchu. The carnival ended deep into the night with scintillating performances by renowned Artists and Musicians.
