It was Marcus Garvey who said that “a people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” For the people of Igbere in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, culture is a way of life. They celebrate their rich cultural heritage with pomp, attracting dignitaries from far and wide.
•Chris Uche, SAN, and Chief Mrs. Eunice Uzor Kalu at the Ezumezu ceremony
Every three years, they organize a mass return of Igbere indigenes. It is called Ezumezu (mass return). This year is one of such years and the event held between December 26 and 27.
The Igbere clan, made up of 13 autonomous communities, is administered on age grade basis. Part of the Ezumezu ceremony is the parade of 13 age grades in order of seniority.
December 27 was the second and final day of Ezumezu/Igbotomma festival. Men and women of the most senior age grade, Udo Ebiri Age Grade, were presented with certificates confirming that they have served the clan meritoriously for 39 years.
According to Chief Solo U. Akuma, a senior advocate of Nigeria, “The Age Grade system in Igbere clan is the vehicle of development. It is through the developmental effort of the age grades that ulo nkuma, health centres, culverts, schools, civic centres, bridges and roads were built.”
It was a thing of great joy for the retiring group. They danced around, acknowledging cheers from their family members, friends and associates.
Niggar Raw, a musical celebrity, performed to the delight of all. Funds were raised for the development of the community even as cultural groups entertained the crowd.
Indeed, the rich cultural heritage of Igbere was showcased, various groups performed with the zeal of competition. Some dignatories and faces that graced the important event include:
