The culture and tradition of Umuchu Community in Aguata Council Area came alive as Igwe Godson Ezechukwu celebrated his 22nd Ofala Festival in grand style amidst pomp and pageantry.
The event, held at the Crystal Palace, Umuchu, featured the elevation of deserving Chiefs to High Chief status, installation of new Chiefs and Ndi Ichie who will be working with the traditional ruler in maintaining peace and in moving the community forward.
Addressing Umuchu from the throne, the traditional ruler of Umuchu, Igwe Godson Ezechukwu, represented by the Palace Secretary, Prof. Chief Echezona Ifejirika sued for peace and unity among members of the community, and urged the title holders to uphold tradition, dignity, and harmony in Umuchu.
Delivering the welcome address, the President General of Umuchu Improvement Union Representative Assembly, UIURA, Hon. Ifeanyi Emegwa, represented by the Secretary, Hon. Frank Uduonu thanked God for the gift of life for both their royal father, the cabinet Chiefs and the entire people of Umuchu, while recounting the remarkable and progressive initiatives in recent times, such as the maiden Ofala Carnival celebration to herald the Ofala festival, human capital development and empowerment programmes for Umuchu sons and daughters, adding that UIURA under his watch will priotize the unity and security of Umuchu with other development initiatives that would bring better life to the people.
In their separate responses after their elevation to the rank of High Chiefs of Umuchu, Abraham Ikechukwu Otti (Ijele Umuchu ji eje mba); Okwudili Otti (Nwarupuoaku); Fidel Ononuju (Eziokwudaa osimili); and Johnbosco Onunkwo (Akaekpuchionwa) reaffirmed their commitment to the peace and progress of Umuchu, while promising to remain vanguards of Umuchu community development.
Also speaking, the new Chiefs including Dr. Anthony Ikenna Obele, Ebuka Samuel Chukwuonye, Chimezie Ikeh, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, Engr. Nnamdi Kizito Onunkwo; Tochukwu Ezelibe, and Lady Kate Ezenwajiaku among others promised to continue the legacy of bringing progress to Umuchu, while upholding the community’s rich culture and tradition.
Congratulating Igwe Umuchu on his 22nd year on the throne, Ide Akwaeke, High Chief Ikenna Okafor extolled the royal father of Umuchu for what he described as an unprecedented and massive developments in the town, which he said is a testament of the peace and unity in Umuchu as he wished him a long life in good health.
The 22nd Ofala festival of Igwe Umuchu, themed: “Umuchu First”, was graced by high profile dignitaries and top government functionaries including the Mayor of Aguata Council Area, Prince Dr. Chibueze Ofobike, and some APGA stalwarts who came to felicitate with their National chairman Chief Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa on his Chieftaincy installation, some traditional rulers, captains of industries, among others.
Homages to Igwe Umuchu and cultural displays added colour to the event.
