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Sen. Kalu leveraging culture to push Igbere into global spotlight
From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
On January 6, 2018, the senator representing Abia North senatorial zone in the upper legislative chamber and former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, organized the maiden Igbere Cultural Carnival, themed “Celebrating our heritage.” Since then, the carnival has become an annual event and graciously solely sponsored by the senator.
Speaking then, Kalu gave an insight into the carnival’s conceptional overview and its eventual birth. “I had been thinking of how to revive my people’s cultural heritage until late last year (2017), when a group of people from my community came to see me over the issue.”
A date was picked for the carnival and it was planned to be low-key because of time constraints and being the maiden edition.
However, the maiden edition held at the Camp Neya cultural ground attracted over 50,000 participants across Igboland, making it the biggest carnival in the South East.
Kalu, in pointing out the gains of the carnival, said, apart from using it to celebrate the people’s culture, the festival also serves as a rallying point for unity and togetherness.
He said: “Before the second of every January in Igbere, those who came home for Christmas would have gone back, but the carnival has changed the whole scenario. We will sustain this carnival to bring money to Igbere people, Bende people and Abia people in general.”
The former Abia governor said his intention was to make the Igbere carnival what used to be in countries like Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, Brazil and some other culturally-rich countries.
In 2023, new impetus was brought to the carnival. Apart from changing the format where all the 13 villages in Igbere displayed their cultural identities within their areas to allow more people to participate and have access to the festival, Sen. Kalu invited the Speaker of the Djibouti National Assembly, Muhammad Ali Humad, and family to witness that year’s event.
Excited Humad said he would take his experience of the carnival back to his country and with that Kalu intentionally brought the carnival to global spotlight, showcasing Igbere’s identity to the world.
This year’s annual carnival, which commenced on January 2, and ended the following day, was unique. It brought to full capacity extraordinary display of culture, tradition and community pride, reflecting the enduring spirit and unity of the Igbere people.
As has always been the case in the previous years, this year’s carnival started with the sponsor, Sen. Kalu, together with his entourage, embarking on a cultural tour across the autonomous communities of Igbere. The first port of call was Agbo, then to Eziama, Amaukwu, Amakpo, Ibinanta, Amankalu and Amaofufe autonomous communities in that order.
At every turn, the entourage and other guests were treated to captivating cultural displays, showcasing the unique aspects of their rich traditions through music, dance, masquerades, costumes and other indigenous performances.
In each of these communities visited, the cultural displays further reinforced the depth of the people’s ancestral values, with strong commitment to preserving and promoting their cultural identity.
Each community used the festival to highlight the essential ingredients of their oral literature, as prose, poetry and drama were performed in a composite and complementary manner within their natural traditional settings, to the delight of all in attendance.
For instance, at Agbo, the Oji Oku Ala Oru (one who returns from the farm with fire) cultural group delivered a performance rich in symbolism and coded language understood deeply by initiates.
The historic Ogudu War Dance, a dance traditionally used to celebrate victory in war, wrestling or other conquests, was performed by the Eziama, while at Amaukwu the Eke Oba cultural dance symbolised the Igbere cultural calendar, a period when the community gathers at year’s end to thank their God for protection and accomplishments.
Amakpo Igbere thrilled the audience with the Uronyi Dance, marking the beginning of yam harvest and eating in Igbere.
Ibinanta showcased the Agrey Dance, a social dance performed on special occasions.
At Amankalu, the majestic Enyi (Elephant) Royal Dance of Dignity was performed. It is a rare cultural display staged once in four years on special occasions.
Amaofufe Igbere presented the Obi Buru Otu (Unity of Purpose) cultural dance.
Ibinaukwu performed the Ekere Abu, while Okafia thrilled spectators with the Okonko masquerade.
At Ohumola, it was the Ojonkwu social masquerade, Amaoji brought the fertility masquerade and Atilogwu; Amaiyi showcased the Ikoro cultural dance, and Umusi rounded it off with the Oba cultural dance.
Across all locations, traditional musical instruments, metal and wooden gongs, drums, earthen pots and clapper sticks crafted from Indian bamboo added rhythm and authenticity to every performance.
Speaking at the event, Kalu, who thrilled the audience with his vibrant dance steps to the rich cultural music of the people, said the 2025 Igbere Cultural Festival has proven once again that culture is not only our identity but also a huge economic asset.
“If properly harnessed, culture can become a major revenue spinner for Nigeria and stand shoulder to shoulder with, or even surpass, oil revenue through tourism, creative industries and global cultural exchange.
I sincerely appreciate and commend all traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, women groups, performers, organizers and security personnel whose dedication, discipline and cooperation ensured a peaceful, colourful and successful festival.
“Your efforts continue to strengthen unity, promote peace, ensure safety and foster sustainable development across our communities.”
