Fides Media Living the Faith
By Sunny A Ijomah
Igwe Chidubem Iweka of Obosi has cautioned Ndi Obosi to strive to stop all forms of criminal activities, so as to live a good and healthy life in order to attain 80, the age of Ito Ogbo.
He made the call while addressing the Ito Ogbo festival of Ndi Igwebuike Age Grade of Obosi.
“Live good and simple lives so that you will be celebrated someday on attaining 80, the Ito Ogbo age,” said Igwe Iweka.
“Desist from crimes and mischief-making, which does no one any good,” said the Monarch.
Igwe Iweka observed that Ito Ogbo was handed down to them by their ancestors over the last 400 years.
“Ito ogbo festival is not a pagan practice but a culture that seeks to unite Obosi indigenes and the elderly, who attain 80 and above. This is celebrated once in three years.”
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed noted that culture was the backbone of every community.
He hinted that the festival, an age-long tradition of Obosi kingdom, would soon be recognised by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural organisation (UNESCO), on the recommendation of the Federal Ministry of Information and culture.
Alhaji Mohammed was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ifeoma A Anyanwutaku.
In reaction, President-General of Obosi kingdom, Mr. Ikechukwu Okolo said Obosi was a reference point in playing host to other communities in Anambra State.
“COVID-19 pandemic is real. Always adhere to its safety protocols to live a long life, just as the people being honoured,” he noted.
Mr. Okolo said that Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra deserved to be praised over the manner that he had so far handled the pandemic to promote the safety of Ndi Anambra.
The PG, then, used the occasion to appeal to the government to remember Obosi kingdom because they deserve to produce top people for positions like Commissioners, Chairman of Government institutions and boards.
Committee Chairman Ito Ogbo festival, Mr Chinedu Nwogem said cultural celebrations always announce a community; “this festival is worthy of emulation”.
The festival was witnessed by the clergyman, Ndi Ichie, Ndi Iyom and notable Nigerians from far and wide.