Recommits to Preserving Cultural Heritage and Embracing Greater Community Development
The people of Obohia in Ekwerazu, Ahiazu Mbaise have once more shown their deep commitment to preserving their rich cultural heritage and paving ways that promotes the progress and prosperity of their community as they gathered for the annual Eyirieyi Obohia Cultural Festival.
The festival which is a cultural celebration of love, unity, peace and reconciliation, brought together sons and daughters of the community, traditional rulers, community leaders, friends and well-wishers adorned in traditional attires to celebrate customs, traditions, and rich cultural heritage of Obohia community.
This year’s event featured, Cultural Dance Competition, Ubu Dance Competition by communities, Ekpe Dance Competition by communities, Traditional Displays, Football Competitions, Cultural Beauty Pageant and Comedy Night, Public Lecture and Liturgy, and the famous Ofe Ugummanu Cooking Competition. This celebration was a homecoming for many of the indigenes. It began officially on Monday July 12 with the bringing down of the traditional musical instrument used for the Ekpe dance. Other activities with a competitive identity commenced from August 5, 2026. Winners of the various competitions went home joyfully with various cash rewards. The fifth edition of the Eyirieyi Lecture which took place on August 7, 2026 was delivered by Prof. Basil Uchegbu, a lecturer at the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri. He explored the importance of interpersonal relationship in catalyzing communal development.
On August 11, 2026, the event began with a Concelebrated Mass presided over by Rev. Fr Dr Val C. Anyanwu at St Peter’s Catholic Parish, Amano Obohia in thanksgiving to God for the gift of life and the Obohia Community. Fr Udochukwu Iwuji SDV, who was the Chairman of the Public Lecture and Liturgy Sub-Committee, while delivering the homily highlighted the significance of the celebration. He also prayed for God’s blessings, peace and development in the community. After the Mass, all marched to Nkwo Obohia for the beating of the Ekpe.
Speaking during the celebration, on behalf of the traditional rulers, HRH, Eze Engr Chidume Okoro, Ugo Amano Obohia welcomed the Sons and Daughters of Obohia who came for this year’s celebration. He thanked the organizers of the 2026 Cultural Festival led by Nze Sir Ben C. Adim. He prayed that the festival will produce greater opportunity to promote the Socio-Cultural Festival and Economic Development of Obohia people. He added that, festival such as Eyirieyi Obohia provides opportunity for younger generation to learn the cultural heritage and values of the community.
In his address, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Nze Sir Ben C. Adim, KSM remarked that, “Eyirieyi Obohia is a day when we gather as one people to celebrate our rich cultural heritage, renew our bonds of unity, showcase our traditions to the world.” He thanked all who came to identify with the community, the traditional rulers of the community especially Eze Engr. Chidume Okoro for his fatherly guidance, royal blessings and steadfast support throughout the planning process. Nze Adim charged the people to continue supporting initiatives that preserve the heritage of the people, while embracing development that will benefit future generations. “We hope that this year’s event will stimulate commerce, encourage entrepreneurship, create business opportunities, empower our youths and strengthen our cultural tourism. Above all, it will inspire greater community development and position Obohia for a brighter future.” he concluded.
The colorful celebration created an atmosphere of joy and togetherness. As the celebration came to a close, the people expressed optimism that future editions of the festival would attract even more people and further usher Obohia into a new era of economic growth and prosperity.
The Eyirieyi Obohia cultural festival remains an important annual gathering through which the community celebrate their past, strengthen their present bonds, promote peace and inspire the younger generation to embrace the cultural heritage of the community.
