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From Jeff Amechi Agbodo, Onitsha
The traditional ruler of the Ogidi Community Igwe Alex Onyido has warned youths to conduct themselves orderly during the masquerade festival otherwise known as the Nwafor festival.
Igwe who gave the warning while declaring the festival open at his palace said that the community is collaborating with the police, DSS, Civil Defense Corps and Vigilance group to ensure the safety and peaceful celebration.
He said that the three-day festival will be hitch-free as Vigilance group members have been patrolling the major roads, streets and markets in the area.
He said: “The festival is the end of the planting season in Ogidi kingdom. It is the time of rest and general return to the town to take stock and plan community development. We met with our friends from far and near.
“We are bringing in new dimension into the festival. Tomorrow Saturday we shall have a carnival where all the age grades will parade with their different masquerades and youth masquerades, who will display at the arena.
“We want to assure our people who are coming back from far and near, and also our guests that the festival will be peaceful as security measures have been put in place to tame any violence and criminal activities in the community.
“Ogidi is very calm, hospitable and generous. We expect many people to grace this year’s festival,” he stated.
