By Chukwudi Asoya & Magnus Emuji
THE Ugoani of Okpanam Kingdom, HRM Dr. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu, in Oshimili North local government area of Delta State, Nigeria, has called on the people of the community to support the 2024 Okpanam Day Celebration billed for December, which is aimed at promoting the rich cultural heritage of the community.
He stated this while receiving members of the Planning Committee for the event at his palace on a courtesy visit to unveil the programme of activities lined up for the Day.
Represented by the Ihonor of Okpanam, Chief Dominic Anyasi, the Okpanam monarch said that the initiative would be of immense benefit to the community.
In their separate remarks, the Ikejiani of Okpanam, Chief Felix Okafor, who was the Chairman of the Planning Committee 30 years ago said that the last edition was a successful one. The Eze-Udo of Okpanam, Chief Emeka Ogwude and the President -General of Okpanam Youth Organization, Comr. (Hon) Lucky Okolo also said that the proposed Okpanam Day Celebration is in the right direction and very commendable.
The President General of Okpanam Youth Organization, Comr. (Hon) Lucky Okolo also is a Member of the Planning Committee for the event gave assurance that Okpanam Youths will give their best to ensure a successful outing in line with the dream to uplif the community to an enviable height.
Earlier , the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Ogbueshi Innocent Uchibuolu listed activities lined up for the Okpanam Day Celebration to include Unity Cup tournament, heritage day/cultural exhibition, symposium, ancestral day , homage to Ugoani and gala night.
According to Uchibuolu, indigenes and non-indigenes in the four quarters in the community would participate in the Unity Cup tournament.
He stated that during the heritage day celebration, each quarter in the community would showcase their identity as warriors or any other representation that may choose, stressing that the day would also include performances of important cultural dances such as Aguba and Odende dances.
While saying that there would be a symposium on a topic that would reflect on the past, present and future directions, Uchibuolu maintained that the symposium would create room for comprehensive discussion on the history, current and future prospects of Okpanam, focusing on strategies for progress and development.
Uchibuolu noted that there would be Okpanam Economic Summit, emphasizing that a topic to address the menace of narcotics among youths in the community is also part of the package in celebrating the Okpanam Day.
He said that a day was set aside for the Okpanam Ancestral Day, which according to him was a unique event that would bring together, each villages in the community.
In an interview with newsmen, the President General of Okpanam Community Development Union, Mr. Robert Ogonenwe explained that this year’s Okpanam Day Celebration is designed to showcase to visitors and residents in the community the cultural heritage of the community and their togetherness.
Photos:
- The Ugoani of Okpanam kingdom, HRM Dr. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu
- The President-General Okpanam Development Union (OCDUN), Mr Robert Ogonenwe addressing some of the Palace Chiefs during the unveiling of the 2024 Okpanam Day at the Ugoani’s Palace.
