By Austin Ogwuda
It was tradition at its best on Thursday as the 13th Iyase (Traditional Prime Minister) of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government Area, High Chief Mike Chukwuka Nwaukoni, has celebrated the 2024 annual INEH festival with pomp and pageantry.
The carnival-like event attracted titled Chiefs and family members, including the National Legal Advisor of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (O.D.A, worldwide) Barr Francis Okolie, who were joined in a dance procession round the town by men, women and youths in a congenial atmosphere instructive of a peaceful setting.
Speaking on the significance of the Ine festival, the revered Chief Nwaukoni said it was an annual thanksgiving to specially appreciate God for His grace, mercy and protection, adding that the beauty of the festival was in merry making and dance procession round 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 with one another and avoid acts inimical to the continued security, growth and development of the kingdom.
The Onu – Iyase of Agidiase community, Chief Lawrence Okafor, who led the dance procession round the area, said the festival was not only unique but a re enactment of the age long culture and tradition of the people which according he maintained had come to stay.
The high ranking Chiefs who participated in the celebration included the Ihonor of Ogwashi-Uku, Chief Hycent Okolie, the Ogegbe – Obi of Ogwashi-Uku. Chief Dan Modiekwu, elders of Agidiase community, women groups, a delegation of elders from Otulu – Ogwashi, Azagba – Ogwashi, Edo – Ogwashi, and Aboh – Ogwashi among several other personalities.
Also in attendance were the Secretary – General of Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (O.D.A) worldwide, Mr Adigwe Eluemunor Sunday and the immediate past President General of the O.D.A, Mazi Emmanuel Ashinze.
