Monday , March 25 2024

Tourism! Nwafor Festival, Pride of Ogidi People

Coordinating reporter

Victory Anikor and Onyeka Ezike

A masquerade at Nwafor festival

You know the Ogidi people very well, don’t you?. The community located in idemili local government area of Anambra state. Ogidi is a big town with over 70,000 indigenes,with 25 % of the population being non indigenes. The traditional ruler of the populated community used to be a practising pharmacist, the Chief Executive Officer of Alben healthcare industries limited, one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria, until his crown as the monarch of the community after eighteen years of chieftaincy tussle,without a king.

His Majesty Igwe Pharm Alex Uzo Onyido, who welcomed the news crew who were on a fact finding visit about the community to his well beautified palace, gave the history of the Ogidis as being over 450 years old. The Igwe described the Ogidi kingdom as an ancient community , dating back to the founding father known as Ezechumagha, (born c.1550) . Ezechumagha married Anumubosi, regarded as the ancient queen of Ogidi kingdom. They both had a son in 1580 named Inwelle. Inwelle married and had a son in 1611 named Ogidi meaning strong pillars as the name reflects,because he was a great warrior,.

    His Majesty Pharm Alex, spoke about the rich cultural festival,regarded as the most popular cultural festival in Anambra state,known as the Afor festival. He  said the festival usually held every first Friday of July annually,lasting for over ten days. The festival he said attracts indigenes of the community both home and abroad,including foreigners.

  ” Afor festival brings our people home from all works of lives,the age-long festival has its economical benefits to the community, as farmers sale their farm products such as yam and cassava during this festival. It also unites us as one, and cuts across religious divide,because everybody enjoys it,” the Igwe said.

READ ALSO  Photos From The Burial Ceremony Of Two Sisters Killed By Armed Robbers In Anambra

  According to the secretary to the Igwe, Mrs Chinwe Nwakeze,  the community during the period of the festival does not approve any ceremonial event such as weddings, burials and traditional occasion. Chinwe also said, that a day before the festival, the Masquerade group initiate new members,which includes young boys of about ten years old. After the initiation, the initiated boys become part of decision-taking in the family.

One of the notable personalities from the town is literary noble winner, late Chief Chinue Achebe ” Ugo Belu nioju, the Eagle on the iroko.

Reporters/Researchers

Oguejiofor Sochina Bernard
Rose Ahanoah Chiazom
Chiduzie Chiazokam Jennifer
Iweorah Ezinne Esther
Maduka Ebele C…

About Chinenye Nwabueze

Nwabueze is a writer with passion for cutting-edge news

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80 comments

  1. Ezike Onyeka Emmanuel

    Afor festival is rich with various activities.

  2. ojimba ogochukwu o.

    good of them.

  3. Onuorah Adaeze Chidimma

    This is actually nice of them…. Very rich culture
    Quiz number —073

  4. Anagboso chimdimma joy

    it is so great to witness such a big festival in ogidi since ogidi is such an ancient community there culture well know and respected by people
    quiz no:74

  5. chinenye Ezekwo Josephine

    what an interesting community
    (quiz no-59)

  6. wow!!! the ogidi kindom has bin exiting since 450 years ago ,..this is interesting

  7. The Ogidi people are really rich in culture (24)

  8. Wow it was very nice visiting ogidi place because it is an interesting place.quiz num 5

  9. Simon Chiamaka Peace

    We should always embrace our culture with pride

    Quiz 54

  10. wow!!! the ogidi kindom has being in existence for a very long time…this is interesting
    Quiz no:28

  11. The culture of the ogidi people is indeed very rich and fascinating… Good work guys.
    Quiz number: 021

  12. Wow what a lovely culture & a rich one at that i never knew we still have such rich cultures around the igbos re really trying cudos to them
    Gabriel precious
    Quiz no 83

  13. It’s good to know.
    Quiz number: 56

  14. okeke chiamaka gabriella

    Nice culture of the ogidi people
    quiz no- 55

  15. Chidozie Chiazokam Jennifer

    wow!what a beautiful culture they have.
    quiz no 65

  16. Very nice and rich culture
    Quiz no.49

  17. Ezike Onyeka Emmanuel

    A feature story. Ogidi festival, tourist attraction.

  18. Ogidi people are rich in culture and welcoming.
    Quiz number 47

  19. The vestival is a rich one .
    quiz no 71
    2016054031

  20. Iloegbunem Emily Ebele

    Very interesting culture.
    Quiz no :15

  21. Okeke Cynthia chinecherem

    Indeed,Ogidi people have a unique culture….
    Reg no:33
    Reg no: 2016054023

  22. Onyia Ogochukwu Mary

    Ogidi is rich in their culture.
    Quiz no 13.

  23. ogidi festival is a fun filled and intresting event(62)

  24. Ogidi people have an entertaining festival I will like to see for my self o.(06)

  25. Hmmm…..truly pride of ogidi.
    Quiz no:119

  26. Nwafor is a great festival celebrated by ogidi and their neighboring towns like umudioka, ogbunike, Abatete and others
    (95)

  27. Very rich and intricate history. Quiz no 114.

  28. is cool to know your culture as well as others culture quiz no (30)

  29. Agina Gloria Ebele

    Nwafor festival is really enjoyable because of its full of merriment and entertainment.quiz no 75,2016054053.

  30. deborah nwankwo 2016054130

    ogidi i must say is a fun place to live in

  31. Their festival is unites them as one
    Quiz no 2

  32. Africa culture is indeed beautiful..

  33. Iweorah Ezinne Esther

    this is really interesting. quiz no 58

  34. wow! Ogidi the beautiful land with hardworking people
    They should keep it up
    34.

  35. This is a good festival..it gives people opportunity to visit home and also helps the farmers sell their products.
    quiz no:102
    2016054113

  36. Wow will love to attend this nwafor festival
    Quiz no 61

  37. Our culture should be adorned

    Quiz no 115

  38. obido chiamaka Genevieve

    Nice one
    Quiz 18

  39. UMEAKU SOMTO ONYEDIKA

    Festival is bae biko
    UMEAKU SOMTO ONYEDIKA
    2016054132
    NO:70

  40. This Nwafor festival will be hell of a fun
    Quiz no :114

  41. Udogu Ogechi Victory

    Wow!!! culture is really dynamic…..(58)

  42. Afor festival must be highly respected for everybody to come back to the village and attend the event.
    Quiz no:116
    Reg no2016054042

  43. enujekwute paschal nnaemeka

    This one is very interesting(108)

  44. ezenwajiugo somto prosper

    I dnt need to be told the story…Must be there another time

  45. otukpa spencer Joseph

    Interesting(107)

  46. Ogidi people are really know for rich festival
    quiz no:117

  47. Arinze obiageli .p.

    Quiz no:29
    wooow. I have not been to ogidi before but definitely will be in it’s next festival.

  48. Nwankwo chinaza Blessing

    wow,what a. interesting culture 66

  49. Ogidi people with fascinating culture.quiz num,89

  50. Thats a very wondaful cuture. Quiz no:104

  51. their culture is really enticing
    quiz No..69

  52. wow its a very good festival and its wonderful .quiz no 103

  53. good culture worth emulating
    quiz no..70

  54. Amene Chidera Doris

    The festival is really a good one.
    Quiz number 77

  55. Obi chikaodili Augustina

    This is a good festival
    Quiz number 79

  56. Nwafor festival unites Ogidi people……

    Quiz number 7

  57. great culture.
    Quiz no. 53

  58. their festival is fun to be in,because there are so many activities

  59. That is good to hear…
    quiz no 101

  60. Wow! Ogidi is known for Nwafor festival quiz number 30

  61. i derive Joy when people celebrate together. quiz no. 126

  62. it is good to preserve cultural heritage quize number 125 reg 2016054136

  63. Our culture, our pride. This is really good. Quize no26

  64. wonderful! festival ,African rich cultural heritage .107,2016057137

  65. Ataka Fortunatus Tobenna

    that’s good
    Quiz no 90

  66. wonderful culture…kudos
    quiz no:66

  67. EVER SEEN FOOD IN ABUNDANCE IN RECESSION?

    You know the Ogidi people very well, don’t
    you?. The community located in idemili local
    government area of Anambra state. Ogidi is
    a big town with over 70,000 indigenes,with
    25 % of the population being non indigenes.
    The traditional ruler of the populated
    community used to be a practising
    pharmacist, the Chief Executive Officer of
    Alben healthcare industries limited, one of
    the leading pharmaceutical companies in
    Nigeria, until his crown as the monarch of
    the community after eighteen years of
    chieftaincy tussle,without a king.
    His Majesty Igwe Pharm Alex Uzo Onyido,
    who welcomed the news crew who were on
    a fact finding visit about the community to
    his well beautified palace, gave the history
    of the Ogidis as being over 450 years old.
    The Igwe described the Ogidi kingdom as an
    ancient community , dating back to the
    founding father known as Ezechumagha,
    (born c.1550) . Ezechumagha married
    Anumubosi, regarded as the ancient queen
    of Ogidi kingdom. They both had a son in
    1580 named Inwelle. Inwelle married and
    had a son in 1611 named Ogidi meaning
    strong pillars as the name reflects,because
    he was a great warrior,.
    His Majesty Pharm Alex, spoke about the
    rich cultural festival,regarded as the most
    popular cultural festival in Anambra
    state,known as the Afor festival. He said
    the festival usually held every first Friday of
    July annually,lasting for over ten days. The
    festival he said attracts indigenes of the
    community both home and abroad,including
    foreigners.
    ” Afor festival brings our people home from
    all works of lives,the age-long festival has
    its economical benefits to the community,
    as farmers sale their farm products such as
    yam and cassava during this festival. It also
    unites us as one, and cuts across religious
    divide,because everybody enjoys it,” the
    Igwe said.
    According to the secretary to the Igwe,
    Mrs Chinwe Nwakeze, the community
    during the period of the festival does not
    approve any ceremonial event such as
    weddings, burials and traditional occasion.
    Chinwe also said, that a day before the
    festival, the Masquerade group initiate new
    members,which includes young boys of
    about ten years old. After the initiation, the
    initiated boys become part of decision-
    taking in the family.
    One of the notable personalities from the
    town is literary noble winner, late Chief
    Chinue Achebe ” Ugo Belu nioju, the Eagle
    on the iroko.

  68. EVER SEEN FOOD IN ABUNDANCE IN RECESSION?

    You know the Ogidi people very well, don’t
    you?. The community located in idemili local
    government area of Anambra state. Ogidi is
    a big town with over 70,000 indigenes,with
    25 % of the population being non indigenes.
    The traditional ruler of the populated
    community used to be a practising
    pharmacist, the Chief Executive Officer of
    Alben healthcare industries limited, one of
    the leading pharmaceutical companies in
    Nigeria, until his crown as the monarch of
    the community after eighteen years of
    chieftaincy tussle,without a king.
    His Majesty Igwe Pharm Alex Uzo Onyido,
    who welcomed the news crew who were on
    a fact finding visit about the community to
    his well beautified palace, gave the history
    of the Ogidis as being over 450 years old.
    The Igwe described the Ogidi kingdom as an
    ancient community , dating back to the
    founding father known as Ezechumagha,
    (born c.1550) . Ezechumagha married
    Anumubosi, regarded as the ancient queen
    of Ogidi kingdom. They both had a son in
    1580 named Inwelle. Inwelle married and
    had a son in 1611 named Ogidi meaning
    strong pillars as the name reflects,because
    he was a great warrior,.
    His Majesty Pharm Alex, spoke about the
    rich cultural festival,regarded as the most
    popular cultural festival in Anambra
    state,known as the Afor festival. He said
    the festival usually held every first Friday of
    July annually,lasting for over ten days. The
    festival he said attracts indigenes of the
    community both home and abroad,including
    foreigners.
    ” Afor festival brings our people home from
    all works of lives,the age-long festival has
    its economical benefits to the community,
    as farmers sale their farm products such as
    yam and cassava during this festival. It also
    unites us as one, and cuts across religious
    divide,because everybody enjoys it,” the
    Igwe said.
    According to the secretary to the Igwe,
    Mrs Chinwe Nwakeze, the community
    during the period of the festival does not
    approve any ceremonial event such as
    weddings, burials and traditional occasion.
    Chinwe also said, that a day before the
    festival, the Masquerade group initiate new
    members,which includes young boys of
    about ten years old. After the initiation, the
    initiated boys become part of decision-
    taking in the family.
    One of the notable personalities from the
    town is literary noble winner, late Chief
    Chinue Achebe ” Ugo Belu nioju, the Eagle
    on the iroko.
    2016054136
    125

  69. Chidozie Chiazokam Jennifer

    what a rich and beautiful culture they have.
    Quiz no 11

  70. This is a good and fun filled culture… 74

  71. This is good. the ogidi people are their Nwafor festival attracts tourist to the town. And they are very friendly.

  72. This is good. the ogidi people are their Nwafor festival attracts tourist to the town. And they are very friendly.

    Quiz No : 24.

  73. Prof. Des Wilson: A Communicator In Making.

    Prof. Des Wilson is a reputable professor in Mass Communication. He holds a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in English from the university of Ibadan, a Master of Arts Degree in Language and a Doctor of philosophy in Communication and Language Arts from the same university.
    Before joining the academics, Mr. Wilson worked with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) yaba as an Issues and Records officer. Also worked as Reconciliation officer/headquarters Account at the national PLC . tutored students in grade 3 at government teacher’s training college igbogbo, ikorodu, and Assistant lecturer, The polytechnic, calabar.
    Between 1978-1985 he was a lecturer III, lecture II and I at the polytechnic calabar. Mr Wilson was appointed an English language examiner by the WAEC in 1978 before he joined the university of cross river as lecturer 2 in1985 .
    He was promoted as senior lecturer in 1993 when the institution was renamed university of uyo in 1997, Mr Wilson was promoted to the rank of Associate professor and professor in 2000.
    Professor Wilson is a member, National
    Council, Amnesty International, Nigerian
    Secretariat. 1988 -1992, member, African
    Council for Communication Education
    from 1993 till date, member, Nigeria
    Union of Journalists from 1993 till date,
    member, University Media and
    Aesthetics Association from 1995 till
    date, member, International Executive
    Committee, African Council for
    Communication Education from
    2003-2009, member, Nigerian Institute of
    Public Relations from 2006 till date,
    Editor, Journal of Media and Aesthetics
    from 1996 till date and Editor-in-Chief,
    Nigerian Journal of Communication from
    2009 till date.
    Mr Wilson has over the years proven to be a spiced professor in Mass communication. Quiz number 10

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