The traditional Ruler of Awka kingdom, Obi Gibson Nwabueze Nwosu has urged the federal government to establish a blacksmith village in Awka, Awka south local government in order to ensure its sustainability.
News Echo reports that some of the prominent dignitaries honoured were minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, Public Relations expert, Dr. Dennis Ekemezie and veteran Journalist/broadcaster with the Anambra Broadcasting Service, Rotarian Abuchi Nwozor. The personalities were honoured for their selfless services and commitment to Awka in particular and humanity in general.
Obi Gibson disclosed this on Thursday during the biennial Egwu Uzu festival held in his palace, Awka.
Speaking during the occasion, Obi Gibson Nwosu call for the establishment of Blacksmith village in the South-East has become necessary to ensure that blacksmithing which the people of Awka communities were known would not fade away.
The monarch who narrated how blacksmithing had taken the people of Awka to various parts of the world, maintained that the gate at the Backighan palace of Queen Elizabeth in England was constructed by Chief John Uzoka from Umuogbu village Awka.
He emphasized that such cultural centre would promote the Igbo rich heritage and improve the living standards of the people while also asking government to provide policies that will ensure its implementation.
Speaking during the event, the Archbishop Ecclesiastical province of the Niger and Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, the Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim who described culture as people’s way of life called on traditional rulers to abolish all cultures that negate human existence.
Ibezim who during the event prayed for permanent return of peace in Awka community, charged the people of Awka to continue with their support for Obi Gibson Nwosu for more robust development in the Area.
Adding, chairman of the 2021 Egwu Uzu festival and Director Emeka Anyaoku institute of international studies and Diplomacy, Prof. Austin Nkemdilm Nnonyelu who described Awka as a blessed community called on the people to come and invest in the community which had a serene environment for investment.
In a closing remark, Traditional Prime Minister of Awka Community, Chief Benjamin Okoye, thanked all that graced the event including a frontline philanthropist, Prince Arthur Eze, and a former Special Adviser to former president Goodluck Jonathan, Senator Ben Ndii Obi among others for their commitment to Egwu Uzu project.
Present at the event were the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Victor Oye, Senator Uche Ekwunife, AIG Garuba Umar, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, a commissioner with the Federal character Commission, Mrs. Ginika Tor, Dr. Pete Ibida, a former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly Chief Anayo Nnebe and one time member of the House of Representatives Chief Ben Nwankwo and incoming Deputy Governor of Anambra State Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim among others.
Aesthetic dance, cultural and masquerade displays and performance by Awka Black smithers equally formed the highpoint of the occasion.
