Igbo rich cultural heritage was at its peak during the weekend as Enugwu-Ukwu community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra state celebrated its sixty-forth Igu-Aro Enugwu-Ukwu and eleventh Igu-Aro of His Royal Majesty, Igwe Sir Ralph Ekpeh, the traditional ruler of the community.
The community also bestowed chieftaincy titles to well deserving illustrious sons and daughters of Enugwu-Ukwu community, including Ambassador to Nigeria in Burundi, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba, who have committed to the development of the Enugu community, News Echo reports.
The event which took place at the Obu-Umunri during the weekend attracted, other traditional rulers, government functionaries and people from diaspora who came to witness the rich culture and tradition of Enugwu-Ukwu community as well as pay homage to the monarch, His majesty.
Performing the ritual of breaking kolanut, the traditional ruler of Enugwu-Ukwu community, Igwe Ralph Ekpeh while explaining that the Igu-Aro is one of the ways through which the community shows gratitude to God for a successful year and prayed for more fruitful years ahead, as well as showcase the culture to the world and recognize well meaning individuals who have in one way or the other contributed to societal development, thanked God for His blessings on Enugwu-Ukwu community and prayed for more good things in the community.
Speaking, Amb. Elijah Onyeagba who was given the chieftaincy title of ‘Ike Enugwu-ukwu na Umunri Ji Di Ebube’, which translates to ‘The Strength upon which Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri rely on’ from the Imperial Majesty of the Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Raph Ekpeh, described Enugwu-Ukwu culture and tradition as awesome, and called on other communities in Igbo land to emulate them in the promotion of the rich cultural heritage of Ndi Igbo.
Also, the member representing Njikoka one constituency at the Anambra state House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Ifedioramma President General of the community, Comrade Bonny Ozonkwuaku, and the Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service, Chief Dr. Uche Nworah emphasized the need for Ndigbo to be proud of their culture and tradition irrespective of religious affiliation, as they noted that people’s culture is their identity.
In an interview, the Chairman Lynden Farms, and Group Chairman M-P Infrastructure, Chief Dr. Clement Nwogbo, who was conferred with chieftaincy title of Akudo Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri, and his brother Hon. Emeka Nwogbo while expressing their love for Igbo culture, thanked Enugwu-Ukwu community for the recognition and promised to keep impacting lives positively.
Among dignitaries that graced the occasion were, National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chief Victor Oye, Njikoka Two Constituency at the Anambra state House of Assembly, Hon. Pete Ibida, former Senator Representing Anambra Central at the National Assembly, Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman of Tetrazzini Group, Prince Don Okonkwo, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra Broadcasting Service, Chief Uche Nworah PhD, former APC Governor Aspirant in last Anambra gubernatorial election, High Chief Johnbosco Onunkwo,Traditional Ruler of Aguleri, Igwe Michael Idigo, among others.
