It was the Anioma culture at its best as the 13th Iyase (Traditional Prime Minister) of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area, Chief Mike Nwaukoni, celebrated the 2024 annual Ineh festival.
The carnival-like event attracted chiefs and family members, including the National Legal Advisor of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA) Francis Okolie, who was joined in a dance procession around the town.
Speaking on the significance of the Ine festival, Chief Nwaukoni said it was an annual thanksgiving to appreciate God for His grace, mercy and protection, adding that the festival’s beauty was in the merry-making and dance procession around the town.
The Iyase urged Nigerians to continue to uphold and promote their cultural heritage for posterity, stressing that culture remained a way of life and an age-long identity which should be passed on from one generation to another.
He called for the upgrade of the Ogwashi-Uku Ineh festival to a national event to boost the foreign exchange earnings of the country, urging the people of Ogwashi-Uku to continue to live in peace and harmony and avoid acts inimical to the continued growth and development of the kingdom.
The Onu-Iyase of Agidiase Community, Chief Lawrence Okafor, who led the dance procession around the area, said the festival was not unique but a re-enactment of the age-long culture and tradition of the people, which according to him, has come to stay.
The chiefs, who participated in the celebration included the Ihonor of Ogwashi-Uku, Hycent Okolie; the Ogegbe-Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Dan Modiekwu; elders of the Agidiase community, women groups, and a delegation of elders from Otulu-Ogwashi, Azagba – Ogwashi, Edo-Ogwashi, and Aboh-Ogwashi, among others.
Also in attendance were the Secretary-General of Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), Mr Sunday Adigwe and the immediate past president-general of the ODA, Mazi Emmanuel Ashinze.
