Culture

Is Anambra the New Cultural Capital?

Published

5 years ago

January 11, 2020

By James Eze

When governor Willie Obiano allowed a poet to read a poem to the full session of his cabinet, what did you think was afoot?

Well…Lagos, Abuja move over. Anambra is finally here. The cultural orbit is in motion and Anambra is the new capital.

Now take this…Anambra boys have announced their intention to move things back home. And we may be no longer at ease in the old dispensation…

Indeed after decades of living like a luxuriant plant whose roots are in the skies, Anambra’s success stories are finally finding their way home. Governor Willie Obiano has created a harmonious social environment where any gift can find expression and now, Anambra-born entrepreneurs; very much like the proverbial Aku (winged termite) that flies and flaps around for a while only to surrender to gravity and the immense patience of the waiting toad on the ground, are returning to light up a few candles at home.

If there were any doubts about the shift in Nigeria’s cultural landscape, last Christmas erased them completely. Anambra swung into a new social orbit in a manner that took everyone by surprise. In less than a week, the state had hosted massive music festivals and major carnivals in Awka, Uli, Nnewi, Oba and Ojoto. Each show drew incredible crowds that no one knew could come from the state and each show paraded the best talents in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

For instance, Uli in Ihiala Local Government Area suddenly transformed into an entertainment wonderland of sorts on December 30, 2019 when the Okonkwo brothers, Kcee and E-Money arrived with a lorry-load of Nigeria’s A-List musicians and comedians.

It didn’t seem believable but the Okonkwos’ Uli Music Festival paraded acts like Phyno, Runtown, Bracket, Duncan Mighty, OritseFemi, Zoro, Faze, Ruffcoin Nwa Aba, Slow Diggy Nwanne (Slow Dogg), Mr 2Kay, Nigga Raw and many others as well as comedians like AY, I Go Dye, Dauda, Acapella and Funnybone. The mammoth crowd that turned up at the Uli Central School field venue of the show was unbelievable for a show held in a small town.

Davido and Naira Marley’s concert in Nnewi was a landmark event. The show was tagged ‘Anambra Music Festival’ and it lived up to its billing. Put together by Chizzy Entertainment, the show had the massive Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium Nnewi packed to capacity. It also attracted so many important businessmen and women, leading industrialists, politicians and community leaders that seemed unlikely guests of such a youthful celebration. However, these people felt safe enough to come out with their families and enjoy the beginning of another year at the concert.

In much the same way, the Oba Carnival was a huge musical festival that brought Davido back to Anambra in less than one week after performing at Nnewi. The Chairman of Cubana Group, Obiora Iyiegbu whose lifestyle company has changed the face of the Nigerian social scene finally decided to bring his reputation home to Oba, his home town. So, Iyiegbu brought Tuface, Davido, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Flavour, Slow Dog, DJ Neptune, Nigga Raw, KCee and many others to the Merchant of Light Secondary School field in Oba to turn on the heat on the landscape. It was another huge success.

The Ojoto Festival that came even earlier than the Oba Carnival also packed a cast of Nigeria’s finest entertainers. Ojoto is just a shout away from Oba, by the way. Phyno, Olamide, Humblesmith, Illbliss, Waje, Zoro, Ruffcoin nwa Aba, Fireboy, Perruzi and Skibi were all billed to grace the event along with notable comedians like Funnybone, Whalemouth, Kennyblack and Ushbebe among others. The organizer of Ojoto Fest, Dr Kennedy Okonkwo of Nedcom Oaks is full of ambition for the festival. He assured that Ojoto Festival was not a flash in the pan. And that it had come to stay.

But before all these series of concerts and festivals kicked in, Stanel World Awka had in a partnership with Access Bank and the Government of Anambra State organized a Master Class titled “Become More” for entrepreneurs in Awka The event was wrapped up in the evening with a musical concert that featured leading acts like 2Face, Phyno, Slow Dogg, Okey Bakassi and others.

It has to be said though that there is more to the New Anambra than the music festivals and carnivals. The truth is, as the cradle of Igbo origin, Anambra has a rich tapestry of culture and all the high ceremonies that mark Ndigbo out as an ancient ethnic group with centuries old civilization.

The Odinani Museum in Nri, the Igboukwu Museum and the new Enugwu-Ukwu Museum all point to a culture that has traveled through eons of years. The Ofala festivals marked by the various traditional institutions across the state are an extravagant display of a highly advanced culture.

And just the other day, the new Igwe of Aguleri, Igwe Mike Idigo, set fresh standards in his first Ovala with a well-attended public lecture. Titled ‘Okanga Aguleri,’ the lecture resounded across the cultural landscape to inject a new intellectual ferment to traditional festivals in Igboland.

In much the same way, the Ofala festival of the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe remains an important item on Nigeria’s cultural calendar. This applies to many other Ofalas across Anambra State which take place at different times of the year. All these give Anambra the admirable texture of an emerging cultural capital.

There are also other festivals across the state that contribute to this impressive cultural mosaic. The Igu Aro in Nri and Enugwu-Ukwu, the Nwafor Festival in Ogidi and Ogbunike, the Ede Aro Abagana, the Imo Awka festival of Awka, the Eziokpalaigwe festival of Abagana, the Afia Olu festival of Nnewi, the Uzoiyi festival of Umuoji, the Obiora Obosi, the Iwaji festival of Igboukwu and several other festivals across the state keep the social dairy busy all year round.

Lately, the cultural calendar of Anambra State has also taken a tilt towards literary creativity. The Return to Idoto, A Flutter in the Woods, the Chinua Achebe Festival and more recently the Purple Hibiscus Creative Writing Workshop are all interesting new additions to the widening cultural circle of Anambra State.

There are also important memorials like the one marked by Hon Uche Okafor, Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, that drew dignitaries across the state to Ifite-Ogwari, his home town and empowerment programmes like Senator Victor Umeh’s Empowerment Programme for Widows and Indigent Youths which have struck a remarkable social resonance among the people.

The hard fact though is that all these are happening now because Anambra has become Nigeria’s safest state, there are access roads crisscrossing every part of the state and ndi Anambra have finally accepted the Aku luo uno call and that east or west, home is the best.

In the end, we are brought face to face with the inspiring story of a people once pressed to earth by violent crime and abysmal leadership. But in just five years of Governor Obiano’s inspirational leadership, Anambra is on the rise!

Culture

Chief Edozie Imah Honoured As UN Peace Ambassador

—For Remarkable Conflict Resolution Efforts

Published

2 months ago

December 24, 2024

grassroots

Engr. Chief Richard Chukwuedozie Imah was on Wednesday recognized with an ambassadorial award as a United Nations Ambassador for Peace, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to conflict resolution and community harmony.

He was presented with the Chartered Fellowship Award by the International Association of World Peace Advocates of the United Nations Peace Volunteers at a ceremony that took place at the palace of Ezeigbo Ejigbo, Eze Nicholas Emenike Njoku.

By this award, Chief Richard Chukwuedozie Imah, who is also the Onowu (traditional prime minister) of Ndigbo Ejigbo becomes an Eminent Peace Ambassador of the United Nations and a Global Diplomat.

His long-standing reputation as a peacemaker, both within his community and the palace, played a pivotal role in his selection for the prestigious honour.

Presenting the Award to Chief Chukwuedozie Imah before a distinguished audience comprising of family members, friends, business associates, the Eze-in-Council of Ezeigbo Ejigbo, and well-wishers, Bishop Amb. Dr. Prince C. Nkemakolam, representing Ambassador Per Stafsen, World Peace President, said by this position, Ambassador Chukwuedozie Imah is now a symbol of power and strength.

“The newest ambassador, from today, God has added power to your power. God has added authority to your authority. God has added strength to your strength. Wherever you find yourself, you are expected to exhibit the life of an ambassador, speaking for your community with authority as well.

“You will reign as a king that God has made you. Be a peacemaker wherever there is crisis. As an Ambassador, wherever you show off, peace is bound to reign; wherever there is confusion and you show up as an ambassador, peace takes over. What is happening now is that God has supernaturally, given you a new seat. And we pray that this seat will not hurt you,” he prayed.

Bishop Nkemakolam said that Ambassador Richard Chukwuedozie Imah has consistently worked to resolve disputes between families, communities, and even landlords, demonstrating a proactive approach to fostering peace, noting that his dedication to ensuring harmonious coexistence has earned him widespread respect and admiration.

In his acceptance speech, Ambassador Chukwuedozie Imah thanked God for the Award and noted that he has always been a peacemaker. “I have always liked making peace wherever I am, whether in the palace or in the community. People know me as someone committed to ensuring that peace reigns.”

The new ambassador highlighted his efforts to mediate conflicts in various contexts, including resolving issues among landlords and tenants and emphasized the importance of maintaining peaceful relations, noting, “No matter what happens, we try to calm things down and ensure there is no problem. People have recognized me as a peacemaker because of these efforts.”

With his new role, Ambassador Imah plans to redouble his efforts in promoting peace. He aims to bridge divides between different groups and tribes, using his position to improve lives and foster harmony in Ejigbo community. “As an ambassador of peace, I will work even harder to ensure continued peace among people and communities. Making peace saves lives, and I am committed to that mission,” he stated.

He also assured that his ambassadorial position would be a tool for good, saying, “This position is not for personal pride or humiliation of others. It is to better the lives of people. When you make peace between two people, you save lives. That is what I will continue to do.”

Ambassador Imah expressed gratitude for the recognition and pledged to remain steadfast in his commitment to peace, its core values, crisis intervention, and community service.

High Chief Ambassador James Agom, representing the International Association of World Peace Ambassadors and Advocates, outlined the significance of the inauguration ceremony held to induct Chief Richard Chukwuedozie Imah as a new member of the association.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Agom explained that the association is dedicated to fostering peace and addressing crises, particularly in rural communities and emphasized their proactive approach to identifying and resolving local issues, underscoring the organization’s mission to create harmony and stability at the grassroots level.

The ceremony also highlighted the association’s charitable focus, showcasing its commitment to humanitarian efforts, noting that the induction process for new ambassadors is highly selective, requiring individuals to demonstrate a history of impactful charitable work and a proven dedication to supporting those in need.

“Membership in this association is not just a title but a responsibility,” Ambassador Agom stated. “A genuine charitable heart is essential. Successful candidates must exhibit a strong humanitarian spirit, a willingness to assist communities facing hardship, and a track record of addressing local challenges.”

The award ceremony underscored the significance of Ambassador Imah’s work and serves as an inspiration for others to prioritize harmony and understanding in their communities. It also serves as a call to action for individuals who aspire to join the organization, emphasizing the importance of selfless service in creating a better world.

Culture

Family announces final rites for late Ogbuefi Dominic Nweke

Published

4 months ago

October 17, 2024

grassroots

The funeral rites of renowned community leader, late Ogbuefi Dominic Udegbunem Nweke, have been announced by the family in memory and celebration of his life after 91 years sojourn on earth.

A public statement by the family endorsed by the son and Group Executive Editor, ITREALMS Media group, Sir Remmy Nweke, indicated that his late father’s final funeral rites would commence on Thursday, October 24, 2024, with a wake at the family compound, Umuokpe village, Awba-Ofemili in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

On Friday, October 25, 2024, he said, the main funeral day would start with a requiem mass by 10am at St. Paul’s (Anglican Church) field Oye-Agu, beside the Central School, Umuokpe Village, Awba-Ofemili to be led by the Parish Priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Joseph Nwilo, with condolence visits thereafter by religious groups, in-laws, friends, well-wishers, and associates.

Nweke also said that Saturday, October 26, 2024, has been dedicated for condolence visits by the Ndi Nze n’Ozo, Lolos and Age Grades, whereas on Sunday, 27th October would be for the thanksgiving mass at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Awba-Ofemili by 10am.

He recalled that his late father, also known as Ozo Sopuluchukwu of Awba-Ofemili, passed on Friday, August 9, 2024, at the age of 91 years at the Regina Caeli Hospital Awka, in Anambra State.

Sir Nweke said that until his late father’s death, Ozo Sopuluchukwu was the patriarch of Ozo Nweke kindred of Umuosite village, Awba-Ofemili.

Reputed for his hardwork and frankness to matters, Ogbuefi Dominic Udegbunem Nweke adopted his Ozo Sopuluchukwu title in reverence to God Almighty in all that concerned him with peaceful disposition.

Until his demise, Ogbuefi Dominic Udegbunem Nweke was the famous sibling of the direct Ozo Nweke dynasty.

Late Ogbuefi Dominic Udegbunem Nweke is survived by his wife, Princess Christiana Nweke, sons, daughters, in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Culture

Young Artists Win Big as Enugu Marks End to Sit-at-home with Art Competition

Published

6 months ago

August 19, 2024

grassroots

Young people of Enugu State have smiled home with various cash prizes and commendation letters, as winners in the art competition to depict the transition from Monday sit-at-home to productive Monday emerged.

The joint winners are Mstr. Nwachukwu Sunday and Ms. Ukeje Olubebe Victory, while Ms. Nkiruka Ogbonna is the runner-up.

The competition, according to the Special Assistant to Governor Peter Mbah on Visual Communications, Mr. Great Okeke, was put together to allow the youth of the state to tell their stories during and after the sit-at-home.

Enugu Marks End to Sit-at-home with Art Competition---

“The governor came in and made that declaration that there was no longer sit-at-home in Enugu State. So, after one year, we tried to put the art competition together for the youth of Enugu State to tell us their own stories about the sit-at-home.

“For instance, you know the students were among the most hit because they did not go to school on Monday before now. They lost 52 days out of the 365 days in each year that it lasted. And, at the end of the day, those in secondary school would still compete with others in Lagos or other states in the same examinations such as JAMB UTME and WAEC,” Okeke stated.

Presenting the prizes, the Secretary to State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, expressed happiness over the restoration of the entrepreneurship, productivity, and studies in all parts of the state on Monday, saying the sit-at-home was a sad and shameful part of the state’s history it wants to put behind it.

“One of the key things the governor said at the very beginning was that the sit-at-home syndrome that had lasted and changed what we are as a people, who are entrepreneurial and fearless, was over in Enugu.

“Before that, activities in Enugu State dwindled and you can see the first drawing here shows the very basic things that happened: people going out to sell, but they could not anymore because they were scared of the confusion, the chaos, the running around, and of course the syndrome that when you moved around and you saw the Sienna and it was tinted, that something bad was going to happen.

“So, I am happy that I can see the transition you depicted and that joy and order have come back. You were selected because you really reflected the thinking of this administration. In your storyline, you expressed the desires of the governor for Ndi Enugu to feel that level of safety, for commerce to come, for our people to live in joy and peace, and for our state to be great again,” Prof. Onyia stated.

Speaking, the winners, Nwachukwu Ozoemena and Ukeje Oluebube, said they were motivated by the theme of the competition, especially given the frustrations they suffered as students and youth while the sit-at-home lasted.

“The theme says “The echoes of sit-at-home”. So, immediately I saw the theme, I was very thrilled and it encouraged me to say yes, I need to do that which I have been keeping in mind. I said let me express myself.

“The message here is that anybody should move around and do his or her businesses because Enugu State today is free on Monday as other days of the week. Normalcy has returned because this current administration has actually helped us by keeping up with the promise to protect lives and property,” Ozoemena said.

On her part, Ms. Ukeje said, “My first painting depicts the dark part of the sit-at-home where I used the tomato seller as a topic. From the picture you see Sienna and whenever people see Sienna they will scamper for safety because of fear of the unknown gunmen.

“From the second painting, you could see her sitting at home and peeping through the window, seeing the unknown gunmen with their Sienna and no one is moving because of fear. “But the third picture depicts the return of normalcy on Monday after the emergence of Dr. Peter Mbah as the governor of Enugu State. The woman can now take her perishables to the market and sell since there are security personnel everywhere. She is now happy.”