Obiano Urges Ndịgbo To Promote Cultural Heritage As Aguleri Community Celebrates 122nd Ovala Festival 

Governor Willie Obiano has urged Ndi Anambra to cherish the rich cultural heritage of the Igbos for them to protect their identity.

Governor Obiano stated this at Ama-Igwe square, Aguleri, during the one hundred and twenty second ovala Aguleri ancient kingdom.

Correspondent Ngozi Obileri covered the ovala festival and reports that according to Governor Obiano, who is a member of Igwe Idigo of Aguleri cabinet, a people without culture are like people without roots, which he explained, is why he has supported and encouraged handing over the culture of Ndigbo especially Ndi Anambra to younger generation as a way of ensuring it’s sustainability.

He said that cultures like the ovala Aguleri is very unique and rich and should not be toyed with and commended people of the community for loving their culture and traditions.

The Governor noted that the event was his last participation as a Governor as he would be part of the ovala next year as ex-Governor, praying God to continue to unite the people through their cultural heritage and norms.

The Secretary to the State Government Professor Solo Chukwulobe who was given the chieftaincy title “Okwechi Aguleri”, by the traditional ruler of the town, Igwe Michael Idigo, for being a strong support and pillar to Governor Obiano’s government these past seven years and more, expressed happiness over the honor done him, thanking Governor Obiano for giving him the opportunity to serve Ndi Anambra.

The Commissioner for Works Engineer Marcel Ifejiofor who is also a member of the Igwe’s cabinet said Ndi Aguleri are so much attached to their culture which he said is why they are doing everything they can to sustain it, adding that the ovala festival offers their monarch the opportunity to know how his subjects are faring as well as pray for the success of the next farming season.

Igwe Idigo had earlier danced round the square, amidst ovation and cheers from his subjects, after which Governor Obiano took the stage and greeted the people around the arena.

Meanwhile, the ovala festival kick started with a holy mass at Saint Joseph Catholic church Aguleri, where Igwe Idigo, his wife,members of the cabinet and indeed Ndi Aguleri and their friends, trooped out to thank God for keeping them alive to witness the ovala activities.