OBOSI COMMUNITY CELEBRATES OBIORA FESTIVAL

BY SUNNY A. DAVID

The rich culture of Obosi kingdom in Anambra state received a boost as sons and daughters of Obosi gathered to celebrate the 2019 annual Obiora festival to mark the beginning of the New Yam harvest with their Traditional Ruler, Igwe Chidubem Iweka.

The event, held at Afor Adike square Obosi, was heralded with a cultural carnival by Obosi youths who moved round the major streets in the community, displaying the rich cultural heritage of Ndi Obosi.

According to the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Iweka III, Obiora festival was not just to celebrate the new yam, but also a period for the observance of peace.

Igwe Iweka explained that the  ancestors of Obosi deemed it necessary to celebrate the new yam festival with the observance of peace and harmony, love and brotherhood, hence fighting and quarrelling were prohibited during the festive period.

He further stated that the 2019 Obiora Obosi was ushered in with a carnival culture of the Caribbeans, which featured a colourful processions that enacted the diverse tenets of Obosi lifestyle.

The State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, who graced the occasion, commended the rich culture of the Obosi kingdom and urged the people of the community to support their King to build a virile community.

Earlier, the President General of Obosi
Development Union, Engineer Ike Okolo, noted that Obiora Obosi was an ancient tradition that reminded the people about the essence of peaceful coexistence and unity of purpose..

In their separate remarks, the traditional Prime Minister of Obosi, Chief Collins Anibogwu, the Head of Uruowulu village, Chief Godwin Osakwe, the Chairman Nigerian Medical Association, Anambra State chapter, Dr. Ndudi Muonago and the President, Otu Enyinwanyi Obosi, Mrs Vivian Onwuekwe, commended Igwe Obosi for increasing the tempo of the annual festival which they said had gained international recognition..

The event featured Ikpo Onunu Ekwe dance by the Cabinet Chiefs, recognition of Ada Obosi, who is also the Minister of State for Environment, Barrister Sharon Ikeazor and conferment of chieftaincy titles.