Umueri community in Anambra East Local Government Area has celebrated the one hundred and thirty-five years of the royal institution in Umueri and the 9th Ovala festival of Igwe Oke-Ebo the second of Umueri, Igwe Benneth Emeka, tagged “Ovala Oganiru: A Celebration of Development,” in grand style, as sons and daughters of the community at home and in the diaspora, traditional rulers from across the state, government officials, business associates, friends and well-wishers paid homage to the monarch.
While breaking the kolanut at the event which held at the Igwe’s Palace, Udabor Umueri, and commenced with a non-denominational service, Igwe Emeka thanked God for His benevolence to the community, peace, unity and development in Umueri, and appreciated and blessed all who attended the event, praying for fruitfulness of the new year.
In their remarks, the member representing Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, Honourable Peter Aniekwe, and other dignitaries noted that the Ovala festival brings people together and thanked God for the gift of Igwe Emeka to the community, whose leadership, they said, has brought peace to Umueri and Omambala in general; while Engr. Joseph Onuigbo and his wife, Esther, thanked the Umueri monarch and the people for finding him worthy of a chieftaincy title at the event, and described it as both a reward and a call to service.
Contributing, the Chairman of the Ovala Planning Committee, Barrister Jekwu Anikpeh, his Secretary, Comrade Tochukwu Chidebelu, and a member of the cabinet, Chief Sunday Eluomuno, maintained that Ovala Umueri is a celebration of tradition, unity and progress that fosters peace among community members, and prayed for Igwe Emeka, whom they said is a blessing to the community.
