From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
It was a potpourri of cultural displays and entertainment at its peak during the second edition of Ezike Day 2025 Celebration in Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State held recently.
In the celebration, the people spoke with one voice of unity that irrespective of religious divides, whether Christian, Islam or African Traditional Religion, they are one people united by bloodline.
With the theme: “Our culture to the world” the carnival actually lived up to its theme as various indigenous masquerades and dance groups shook hands as they all entertained the large and expansive Igbo-Eze North Stadium/ pavilion complex, venue of the event.
Powered by Umu-Enugu-Ezike Oba in Diaspora and Igbo-Eze North United Forum for Development, eminent sons and daughters of Ezike Oba within Nigeria and in Diaspora showed up for the carnival.
In all, there were 44 groups on parade comprising masquerade and dance groups.
President Igbo-Eze United Forum for Development, Chief Festus Oshaba-Onuh lauded the existing unity and cooperation among the youths, the elderly, the traditional institutions and those in government presently in Enugu-Ezike
“We are here for our culture because Ezike land is blessed. The inaugural celebration of this event took place in 2022. It was the first of its kind in our senatorial zone. Our rich cultural heritage was beamed to the world audience for the first time through the print and electronic media, and today, many communities in the senatorial zone have adopted the concept. Research scholars have shown renewed interest in our socio cultural identity through positive publications, and the empowerment derivatives in the program have added vigour to our robust community economy.
“The Ezike Cultural Carnival is more than just a festival; it’s a symbol of our resilience, strength, and commitment to preserving our traditions. We are proud to showcase the beauty and diversity of our culture through music, dance, art and tradition.
“Over the years, our people have been known for their warmth, industry, hospitality, and love for celebration. This carnival is a testament to those values, as we bring together the 36 villages of Igbo Eze North Local Government Area in a display of unity, creativity, and joy.
“A novelty marathon race was concluded a few hours ago to mark the beginning of this year’s event. That underscored our support for sports and healthy lifestyle among our people. We are committed to the advancement of diverse developmental variables, including good healthcare, education, agriculture and security. We have collaborated with our state and local governments towards achieving some of these goals.
“We hope this partnership shall endure in the foreseeable future as we strive to contribute our quota in ensuring the socio-economic development of Enugu Ezike. We acknowledge the financial contributions of members of these two great associations – (Umu Enugu EzikeOba in Diaspora and Igbo Eze United Forum for Development,) which made the hosting of this year’s event possible,” he stated.
President General, Umu-Ezikeoba in Diaspora, Chief Roland Ayogu stated that the people are transforming their culture from ancient to modern. “We want to change the mindset of our people to avoid segregation between the traditionalists and Christians, because irrespective of where you belong, so far you are not evil minded, we are one. This will also boost our economy and tourism potentials.
“Let us come together to celebrate our Ezike spirit, our unity, and our progress. Let the Ezike Cultural Carnival be a catalyst for growth, development, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“We are grateful to our traditional and religious institutions, sponsors, partners, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make this event a success. Your contributions have not gone unnoticed, and we appreciate your commitment to promoting our cultural heritage.”
“We owe a debt of gratitude to our local government chairman and his staff, for their support and hospitality. We’re happy with the positive steps of this administration in grassroots development” Chief Ayogu stated Chief Emenike Onuh, from Aji community, who is based in South Africa, lauded the development taking place in Enugu Ezike at the moment. He said the Ezike Day Carnival will help in reviving some cultural practices already facing extinction in the area and help preserve such for the younger generations.
He said both Christians and traditionalists from the area are one people while the carnival has made it possible for people who lost contact for many years to reconnect again. He also noted that the carnival has made it possible for some Christian masquerades which normally appear during Christmas period and the traditional masquerades that also display during Omaba festivals to now showcase at the same time.
Chief Chukwuemeka Alison, Oyinatumba 1 of Enugu-Ezike, based in USA, said the people of Enugu-Ezikeoba are making efforts to see that their place is repositioned as a destination of choice for indigenes and tourists.
“We are working on developing our place in all fronts. This is promoting unity in all fronts across religion, age, class etc. We hope we are getting it right and the more years roll by, the better it shall be,” he stated. Announcing the winners, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Nze Lazarus Eze, said Isiugwu community came first with their Eji masquerade, Olido community came second with the Okwe masquerade, while Isiugwu community came third with Agbeji masquerade. In category two, Umuopu community with Mgbedike masquerade came first, Isiugwu community with Mgbedike masquerade came second while Nkpamte community came third with its Okangba masquerade.
In category three, Umuopu community with Oshagenyi masquerade was first; Amube community came second with Akatakpa masquerade, Umuida community came third with Oshagenyi masquerade. In the dance category, Aguibeje community with Ikorodo dance clinched the first position, while Égara Ofuobi Ezikeoba came second. Uroshi community with Izene Eka dance got the third position.
The 1st position winners in each category received ₦500,000 while the second position in each category got ₦300,000. The third position in each category received ₦200,000. There were consolation prizes of ₦100,000 per group.
Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Hon. Uche Michael Ogalla, in his speech, said it was gladdening to notice the collective efforts at uniting the people through culture, adding that his administration looked forward to partnering with them.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Pius Ayogu Esq expressed gratitude to Dr Innocent Olijo, Chairman Media and Publicity, Chief Eusebis Ekere, Chairman, Contact and Mobilisation, Chief Emeka Allison, Chairman Security and Venue arrangements, Hon, Ifeanyi Oyiga, Chairman, Logistics and Chief Ifeanyi Onuh, Chairman, Entertainment on the success of the event.