The rich cultural endowment of the people of Ogwashi Uku kingdom was exponentially displayed at the weekend as the traditional prime Minister (Iyasei) of Ogwashi Uku kingdom, Chief Mike Nwaukoni rolled out the drums to celebrate the 2025 Ineh festival .
The festival began with the convergence of elders , leaders , youths , women and Chiefs and a cross section of the people on the Iyasei’s court (Ogwa) at Agidiase where special prayers were offered to God for a successful farming season and bountiful harvest.
The festival which entailed lavish merry making got to its peak when the Iyase represented by the Onu Iyasei,Chief Dumebi Lawson Ashinze accompanied by some elders, youths and women carried out a dance procession round some major roads within Ogwashi Uku town .
The carnival like procession brought to the fore , the joy of the people as they danced and eulogized the Iyasei for his immense contributions to the development of the kingdom and economic prosperity of the people.
Speaking on the essence of Ineh festival , Chief Mike Nwaukoni said the festival was an age long traditional practice meant to appreciate God for his blessings , protection and bountiful harvest in the out gone farming season and the beginning of another.
He underscored the increasing need to preserve and promote the rich cultural endowment of the people by relevant agencies of government.
He admonished the people of the kingdom to remain United, peaceful and resolute in the pursuit of ideals and tendencies geared towards promoting oneness , love and togetherness among indigenes of the kingdom
In his remarks, the Ihonor of Ogwashi Uku , Chief Hycent Okolie decried the current state of affairs in the community urging residents to regard the challenges bedeviling the kingdom as a passing phase in the historical and developmental evolution of the kingdom.
The Ihonor of Ogwashi Uku called on the state government to release the report of the commission of inquiry that investigated the kingship tussle and land related disputes in Ogwashi Uku and neigbouring communities saying that the delay in releasing the said report was concerning.
The festival also featured different dance performances and interesting displays by youths and women which added colour to the ceremony.
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