Azikiwe, Uyah, Others Storm Ebonyi December 29 For Afikpo Arts Festival

The Director of Budget and Treasury, ECOWAS Commission, Molokwu Azikiwe, son of the legendary Owelle of Onitsha, Prof Uche Azikiwe, an accomplished culture expert and writer, Ugo Agada Ayah among other distinguished guests are set to storm Afikpo in Ebonyi State as Special Guest and Keynote Speaker for the 3rd edition of Afikpo Arts and Culture Festival holding on December 29, 2024.

The 3rd edition of Afikpo Arts and Culture Festival has reached a significant milestone in the celebration of Afikpo’s vibrant arts, music, dance and traditions, with the legendary Ugo Agada-Uyah as the keynote speaker.

In a press statement on Tuesday, signed by Franklyn Ginger-Eke, FNIPR, for the Communication & Media Team, Afikpo Arts Forum, Eze Igwe, who is Chairman of the Planning Committee, the presence of Molokwu Azikiwe at the festival reflects the unity and richness of Igbo culture, a cornerstone of the festival’s spirit.

He said: “The festival provides a unique platform to reconnect with our roots and embrace the beauty of our shared heritage. It offers attendees unforgettable moments as it honours the past while boldly envisioning the future of Afikpo culture and identity.

“Our special guest, Sir Molokwu Azikiwe, Akwue Isama Onicha Ado N’Idu, is the first son of our daughter Prof Uche and Nnamdi Azikiwe, the legendary Owelle of Onitsha, a foundational figure in Nigeria’s history. His presence at the festival reflects the unity and richness of Igbo culture, a cornerstone of the festival’s spirit.

“Sir Molokwu Azikiwe’s deep ties to tradition and his role as a custodian of Onicha Ado N’Idu’s heritage offer invaluable perspectives on preserving our customs while embracing a forward-looking vision. His participation underscores the festival’s mission of fostering pride and unity among the Igbo people.

“The keynote speaker, Ugo Agada-Uyah, an accomplished culture expert and writer, brings a wealth of experience to the festival. Known for her contributions to arts and culture promotion on national and international stages, she is the author of Omezue, The Complete Achiever, and an advocate for cultural preservation and innovation.

“Her keynote presentation, “Afikpo Arts and Culture—Our Heritage and Our Future,” will explore the founding tenets of the Ehugbo civilisation, the significance of iconic festivals like the Iko-Okochi, and strategies for projecting Afikpo’s cultural identity onto the global stage.”

On his part, the Convener, Afikpo Arts Forum, Ewah Otu Eleri, informed that, “in 2023, we added an art competition for secondary schools and also introduced performing arts. The theme for the year was the wrestling festival.

“Reflecting on the last year’s edition, Ewah said, “The occasion was graced with the presence of all our monarchs, and a keynote was delivered by Professor Nnenna Oti, the VC of Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO). We also introduced Ehugbo (Afikpo) food to showcase the culinary heritage of our people.

“On the upcoming December 29th edition, he disclosed that, “This year in 2024, the theme is iko okochi , the celebration of friendship and love as the cement of our society. As in previous years, we will exhibit paintings, carvings, sculptures and the occasion will witness the performance of nkwa nwite and nkwa umu agbogo. We are excited about the opportunity to present our very best, the pride of Ehugbo, Mrs Angela Ugo Agada- Uya to deliver this year’s keynote speech, and Molokwu Azikiwe as our special guest.

“Guests and participants can look forward to experiencing the pulsating rhythms of the iko okochi, breath-taking cultural displays, and immersive artistic expressions that promise to create lasting memories.

“The Afikpo Arts Festival 2024 is more than an event; it celebrates friendship, love and unity. Together, let us honour the legacy of our ancestors and inspire the next generation to embrace and elevate Ehugbo’s rich cultural tapestry.

“Save the date – December 29, 2024—and join this vibrant celebration of Ehugbo’s arts and culture. Together, we will use arts and culture as our guiding vehicle to place Ehugbo on the global map.

“Now, retired, Ugo Agada–Uyah, a culture expert turned writer, with major national and international productions to her credit, has been devoted to promoting, presenting and developing arts and culture.

“Ugo’s extensive knowledge of the country and its culture made her worthy to be appointed to serve on several high-level delegations of the Federal Government to several international cultural events and for UNESCO. She is the author of Omezue, the Complete Achiever, the first volume in the Victims Series Trilogy, a 450-page, adult historical novel she self-published with iUniverse Inc., USA, released in the USA, April 2013. She is now on the second volume,” the statement concluded.