Anambra Community Celebrates Eziokpaligwe Festival In Grand style
By Regina Igwebuike
The Amawbia Community in Awka South LGA, Anambra State has celebrated the 2025 Eziokpaligwe Festival in a grand style, showcasing their rich cultural heritage and traditions. This three-day event, held from March 27 to 29, brought together the six villages that make up Amawbia town, as well as friends, well-wishers, and political appointees.
The ceremony was declared open by Ozo Arc. Nnaemeka Maduka, who prayed for a successful event and urged everyone to focus on farming for food security. He also invoked the gods of their land for a bountiful harvest this year.
In a welcome address, the President General (PG) of Amawbia Community, Nze Chukwukadibia Odumodu, highlighted the significance of the festival originally initiated by Ngene and Umueze villages which was developed from Samba day to Eziokpaligwe day by the Amawbia Town Union, Enugu Branch in 1946. He emphasized that the celebration is crucial for the community, as it symbolizes the blessing and sharing of farm inputs among the six villages.
According to him, This festival is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Ndu Amawbia and our commitment to preserving our traditions. It's also a celebration of the community's resilience and determination to foster peace, progress, and unity of purpose.
The PG emphasised that without the celebration which was symbolic as farm inputs were blessed and shared to the six villages of the community, nobody would farm.
Nze Akalanze thanked the community for holding forth with the tradition, emphasizing that this year's Eziokpaligwe is a tip of an iceberg as Amawbia will continue to grow from strength to strength, praying that 2025 will bring progres in Amawbia, restore unity and love as the Ugbo-ogiliga of old when all drank from one pot with one cup.
Prince Ako Nworah Molokwu, Chairman of the 2025 Eziokpaligwe Festival, emphasized the importance of farming, particularly in Agu-Amawbia, which boasts fertile and cultivable land. He urged the President General to establish a special taskforce to provide farmers with assured protection and security.
The Prince expressed gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for addressing security challenges in Anambra and encouraged the community to support efforts to sanitize the area.
He also highlighted key issues, including: Youth Empowerment, Elders' Welfare, Transparency and Inclusiveness, Revenue Windows, and Health Matters.
Prince Molokwu furthermore, stressed the need for a timely election of the next Okpaligwe, citing Amawbia's strategic location in the capital territory and the current traditional ruler's absence from the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council.
Mrs. Stella Odumodu, the Mother of the Day, echoed Prince Molokwu's sentiments, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address insecurity in Agu-Amawbia. This, she believes, will enable women to safely return to farming. She commended the festival organizers for their efforts, noting that despite the country's challenges, the event drew a large crowd, demonstrating the importance of community celebrations in bringing joy and unity among the people.
Dr. Ikem Odumodu, the former Director General of Standard Organization of Nigeria and a farmer, emphasized the need for Amawbia to adopt a strong farming policy. He noted that Amawbia has not been known widely for its farming, but this year marks a turning point. He encouraged everyone to plant something or rear animals, no matter how small, as it can greatly impact their lives.
He also highlighted the importance of community support, as evident in his family's presence at the event to support Nze Akalanze, the second President General from Enuoji village and a member of the Odumodu dynasty, underscoring the strong brotherhood that binds them together.
Chief Ben Udeozor enthusiastically praised this year's festival, describing it as "excellent, colorful, and nice" - the best they've ever had. As the festival marks the beginning of the planting season, he offered a heartfelt prayer, seeking a bountiful harvest, as well as unity, progress, and successful leadership for the Amawbia community.
Mrs Chinyere Anagor, Woman Leader Amawbia Community was equally impressed, describing the event as a "cultural carnival." She expressed gratitude to God for the ceremony's success and looked forward to an even more exceptional celebration in 2026 going forward.
Mr. Chijioke Nwolisa, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, extended his heartfelt gratitude to God for the successful celebration. He prayed for God's continued blessings upon the community and wished all attendees a safe and merciful journey back to their destinations.
The festival was further enriched by vibrant cultural dances and masquerade displays, adding to the overall splendor of the event. Umueze village emerged as the standout winner, taking home two prestigious trophies for securing first place in both the dancing competition and the highest cash realization.
*Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State*
More photos below.
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