There is no better way to express and experience Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage than joining in the colorful celebration of cultural festivals.
On 4th August 2020, Ezza Ezekuna, one of the clans in Ebonyi State celebrated her New Yam Festival (Oke-aku).
The Annual event popularly called ‘Oke-Aku’ witnessed a mammoth crowd numbering about 15,000 people at the Okpoku Ezekuna in Ezza-South LGA, Onueke.
The event featured masquerade displays of different kinds, performances from different dancing groups dressed in beautiful attires, among other cultural activities.
The Annual event was honoured by dignitaries across different states including Catholic Priests, Politicians, religious leaders, traditional leaders, elders, and artisans.
Hon. (Comrade) Chinedu Ogah, OON, Member Federal House of Representatives, Prof. Benard Odoh represented by his personal assistant, Chief Ogbu Boniface, Hon. Chike Onwe Ph.D., former Commissioner, Information and State Orientation, Ebonyi State, Chief Emmanuel Chukwu, represented by Barrister Ifeanyi Nworie, Hon. Nweze Emmanuel, Hon. Nwankwo Chukwudi, Ezza-South LG APC Chairman, Hon. Nwali Nelson, Ikwo Local Government APC Chairman, Dr. Anthony Itumo, Lecturer Ebonyi State University, Dr. Onuora Nweke, Lecturer FUNAI, Alhaji Suleiman Ogah, Dr. Ilang Dontaus, Hon. Ogochukwu Elem, Senior Legislative Aide to Hon Ogah, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Chimaruche Enogu, Rev. Fr. Innocent Chukwu, Rev. Fr. Matthew Isukpa, Matthew Ugbo were all in attendance.
Hon. Ogah while addressing the crowd described the event as “astonishing and a medium for the revival of the cultural heritage of the people”.
He added that the cultural festivity has its historical significance and impact on the culture of Ezza Ezekuna nation.
He admonished the Ezza’s to remain steadfast in the promotion of their unique culture and continue to live with the dictates of Ezza values anchored on peaceful coexistence, unity, and progress.
In demonstrating unity among the people, Ogah used the opportunity to list those he has given Federal jobs to in Ezza South LGA even as he urged the youths to shun cultism and anything that would make jest of their future.
While he prayed for the prosperity of the great people of Ezza, he also donated 30 bags of cement to ensure that Ezza Ezekuna Hall wears a new look and also donated an undisclosed sum of money including tubers of yams, wrappers as tradition demanded.
By Charles Iteshi,
Special Assistant on Media,
To the Member representing Ezza South/Ikwo
Federal Constituency,
Hon. Comrade Chinedu Ogah.
