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From Enweliku Kent, Asaba
Afor Clan in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State has marked its annual festival called Oji Efor.
The spokesman of the community, Chief London Obiajulu Onwuka said every year the eight villages in Afor Clan come together to celebrate the historic festival.
Chief Onwuka who spoke with journalists, said the festival is celebrated by all age grades, including males and females.
While explaining the significance of the festival in their life, Onwuka disclosed that the Oji Efor is their protective god instituted by the founder of Efor Clan, Etim Uku the great.
According to him, “The celebration of Oji Efor festival comes every year to mark our traditional new year. During each celebration of the festival,.those that have challenges in any area of life will come with native chalks and make a vow, which usually come to pass, in most cases.
“We celebrate this festival annually as Oji Efor remains the guiding spirit to every sons and daughters of Afor Clan that believes in its efficacy.”
Chief Onwuka also said the supremacy of their traditional ruler, (Okpala-Uku) is explained with the sitting arrangements, as he leads them according to the seniority to the venue of the historic event.
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In his, the President General of Afor Clan, Chief Sony Neme, further explained that the celebration of Oji Efor festival marked the beginning of their new year and that it ushers in peace, unity and oneness to the clan.
His words: “This historic event, being our traditional New Year festival, marks the month that our projenitor, Etim Uku the great, made his way to his holy shrine, centuries ago.
“It is a feast that symbolises peace and unity among us. No one comes here with bad motive, as the celebration of Oji Efor remain a moment we cherish so much as it links us honour roots, which is why sons and daughters travel from far and wide to be a part of the annual celebration of potential elevation in all areas of human endeavours”, Chief Neme added.
For Chief Ike Dan, the Odogwu Abi of Umu- Okpala community and immediate past President General of Afor Clan, the significant of Oji Efor festival celebration is to appreciate the god for what it has done to its people and as well prolonged what is in existence; especially for those that believe in the culture and tradition of the land.
He also noted that development has come to their community and charged the community to maintain oneness, corporate with one another, show love so that they can succeed together.
Chief Ike Dan further appealed to their sons and daughters in the Diaspora to remember their people at home, corporate with them and not to neglect their families back home.
Others who spoke at the event were Chief Abel Bini – Chukwu spokesperson of Afor Development Association (ADA), Okwa Tony Obodoshike who said this year’s celebration underscores the importance of unity in their midst.
Also speaking, Mrs. Joy Bini – Chukwu and Mrs. Martha Ocheli said they came to appreciate the god ( Oji Efor) for their children as it responded to their requests last year and this year they came for appreciation, nothing that they will come again to appreciate Oji Efor next year.
