As the people of Awka community commence the official celebration of annual Egwu Imoka festival with visit to their brothers at Umuokpu village, stakeholders and cultural proponents in the community have cautioned non indigenes of Awka to desist from debasing the rich cultural heritage of the community.
Speaking to the ABS while implementing the ban of tricycle movements in major roads in Awka to ensure seamless movement of masquerades and individuals to Umuokpu, the President General of Awka Youths, Chief Ikechukwu Ezenwa, maintained that in line with government guidelines, every masquerade participating in the celebration will be profiled, and warned non indigenes against participating in masquerading since according to him the festival is strictly for Awka indigenes, while visitors can only act as spectators.
Contributing, a member of the Ozo Awka Society, Chief Obi Ochije-Muodilim, who expressed optimism that this year’s Egwu Imoka festival will be one of the best in view of certain precautionary measures put in place by various groups, including the planning committee headed by Chief Anayo Obiakor, and Awka South Local Government authority to ensure a successful festival, said plans are on by the Awka community to make the Egwu Imoka festival a tourist attraction.
As at the time of filing this report, various taskforce teams, especially the one by Awka youths, were seen in major parts of the community to ensure a remarkable celebration.
