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By Cosmas Omegoh
Awo-Idemili, an Imo community in Orsu Local Government Area is home to enviable culture and tradition.
Awo-Idemili which is on the western side of Orlu Township comprises of 13 autonomous communities. The area parades the best of exotic masquerades that entertain gratuitously. Their women too form several dance groups that give breathtaking performances. 
On November 19, Awo-Idemili had one of its days in the sun. On that day, the people had more than enough reasons to celebrate. Filing out in splendid colours, the clan members came expressing happiness at being alive, having come through the months in good health.
As it is customary in most Igbo communities about this time of the year, Awo-Idemili indigenes used the occasion to end the year on a high.
But above all, the people celebrated the 70th year of the coming together of their forbearers in Lagos in 1952, to form what they now have as Awo-Idemili Clan Welfare Union (AICWU), Lagos branch. This anniversary they tagged, ‘Platinum Jubilee.’
AICWU’s chairman, Prince Ignatius Ngodi, aka Anatinye Oku, told our correspondent that the union was birthed under the watch of their late iconic leader, Simon Achakpo, as chairman.
But when the Nigeria-Biafra civil war broke out, the lucky ones went home. They later launched a return to Lagos about 1970, to continue from where they left off things.
Now, to underline the authenticity to their history, Awo-Idemili indigenes in Lagos under the current leadership printed a pamphlet to document the history of their union. This it did, believing that it will guild the younger generation in years to come. This document was launched on the occasion.
All these explain why AICWU members and their friends were in high spirits when they streamed into their community arena at Egbe, Lagos.
On the afternoon, the venue was overflowing with Awo-Idemili people and their friends. There were also politicians from the area seeking various elective offices; they traveled all the way to Lagos to engage their people.
The proceeding opened with prayers offered by Chief Emma Oba. Then there was presentation of kola nuts by Awo-Idemili women.
Prayers over the gift were said by one of the traditional rulers from the area, Eze Kenneth Ekwomadu.
The leaders went on to celebrate their culture by giving out the kola nuts to the component communities in their order of seniority. Then their titled men took their turn. They also gave kola nuts to their honoured ones. Thereafter, those who were called forth to break the kola nuts did so, after making handsome monetary pledges.
The arena was electrified with two masquerades charging in, accompanied by boisterous youths singing and clapping with engaging energy. Three more masquerades sprang in, turning the scene riotous. This was the session hundreds of people were waiting for. But that was too early. It took the intervention of the elders before the masquerades, their handlers and the appreciative crowd could be persuaded to allow the rest of proceedings to go on.
Then there was cutting of the AICWU 70th anniversary cake. The cake was such a huge one – rectangular in shape with dazzling green and white icing colours sitting on a table overlooking the crowd. Dignitaries who were invited to perform the cutting ritual took their turns, each one making financial pledges.
In his speech on the occasion, AICWU chairman, the Prince Ngodi, praised the spirit and tenacity of his people, especially the past leaders for sustaining the union over the past 70 years, insisting that their effort was no fluke.
He recalled that “leadership is not about raising shoulders and neck; it is about service to the people through policies and ideologies that will serve the best interest of the majority of the society.”
He informed his audience that leadership is about possessing the needed “charisma, service, patriotism, forthrightness, accountability, honour and integrity,” noting that he believes that it is the grace of God that enables any man to occupy any position of responsibility.
He recalled that AICWU as a welfare body had been trying to live up to expectation, explaining how in conjunction with other kind-hearted members, it had been caring for the indigent among them, especially the widows.
He told our correspondent that aside from catering to the needy among them, a substantial part of the money realised on the occasion would be sent home to support developmental projects. “AICWU, Lagos branch is the biggest donor in support of various community-based projects at home. We are committed to that,” he said.
When the masquerades later returned to the arena, there was no holding back. Performing alongside women dance groups, among them the Okachama, and also a live band, they collectively handed every attendee an experience to remember for a long time.
