By Tim Etoh
The 2025 Ugwu Mbaise Men Cultural Festival, which began with the preliminaries on October 4, 2025, ended on a high note amidst increased momentum throughout the duration of the fiesta.
The activities of the Grand Finale started on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the St. Brigid’s Catholic Parish, Nnarambhia, with a Mass presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Ahiara Mbaise, Most Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, CMF, after which all present proceeded to the St. Brigid’s Podium for the public lecture delivered by Prof. Paul Uchenna Mbakwe (Professor of History and International Relations) at Abia State University, Uturu, with the theme “Harvest Under Empire: The Agricultural Economy of Mbaise up to 1960.” A cultural pageant followed later, which produced:
Ada Ugwu Mbaise:
1st: Ezinne Mirian Onycananam, 2nd: Alozie Precious Ifunanyachukwu. 3rd: Anaele Abigail Amarachi. The curtain was drawn on Tuesday, December 22, 2026, with cultural competitions for men, women, and youths, respectively, producing winners as follows:
Men
1st: Shakpara Cultural Dance, Okpofe
2nd: Nnarambia Cultural Association
3rd: Agborogwu Obetiti Nguru
Women
1st: Umunwanyi Chimereze Umuokeawa Ogbe, 2nd: Di bu Ugwu Cultural dance Umumbochi Oboama Nguru, 3rd: Dibugwu Dance Group Umuaghara Ogbe
Youths
1st: Egwu ure Umuoma Ogbe, 2nd: Ojianya lere Dance Group Lude Ahiara, 3rd: Egwure Dance Group, Umuevu, Okirika, Nweke.
Many prominent personalities were present to share in the joy of Mbaise’s rich cultural heritage
While appreciating the organizers and participants of the pristine cultural festival, Bishop Nwobi was full of hope that subsequent editions would record greater success for the glorification of God’s name, the edification of His church, and the sanctification of His people.
