The cultural heritage of Awka people was on display as the community held their 2025 annual Egwu Imoka cultural festival, with the journey to Umuokpu Awka, as fun-fare was observed by indigenes in bars and canopies and onlookers lined up along Zik’s Avenue and other parts of the area, watching masquerades and groups as they processed to Umuokpu Awka.
Speaking on the significance of the day, the presiding Chief Priest of Imoka, Mr. Nwama Nnake explained that the festival is an age long tradition of Awka people and journeying to Umuokpu is extending invitation to Awka’s brother, who during the olden days protected Awka and others from invaders.
On his part, the organizing Chairman of this year’s festival, Mr. Anayo Obiakor explained that the festival is celebrated within the first month of Awka’s traditional calendar, after which farming commences and expressed satisfaction that the festival is going on well as planned.
The Chairman of Ezinano Youth of Awka, Chief Nwokoye Nwosu disclosed that Okpu of Umuokpu was a strong man, who protected Awka against slave hunters and other kinds of violent activities, adding that it is customary to inform them of the upcoming Imoka festival, as brotherhood and peace must be maintained.
