By Nnedinma Michael
The Igala community, comprising Onuh Igala, Ogohi Attah, Palace Executive, Ogah Onuh lgala Kingdom, in Anambra State and beyond, weekend, held her maiden carnival in Amawbia, Anambra State.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Staff and Omachi Oda Onuh Igala, Comrade Emmanuel Ochia, said the event could be traced to the highly cultural and traditional annual Ocho/Eva Festival, which is a harvest and ancestral worship festival, which is still practiced unto these days in some communities.
Chariman of the occasion, Bar.Dr Joe Onuoha, emphasised the importance of unity among the Igala speaking people, not just in Anambra State but beyond, noting that such events will foster stronger relationships and a sense of community, advising Ndị Anambra to ensure peaceful conduct of the coming election.
Mother of the occasion, Mrs Dorcas Ashebe, expressed her joy and excitement about the gathering, aimed at promoting unity among Igala people in state.
Chairman of Middle Belt, Kogi State, Alhaji Abubakar, expressed gratitude to the Igala people in Anambra State, for welcoming them and showcasing their culture, emphasising the importance of unity and recognition among Igala people, particularly in areas like leadership and governance.
Chairman, Ofu Local Government Area, Anambra Chapter, Ibrahim Siaka, said he was happy to celebrate the Igala Cultural Day and Carnival in the state, attributing the success to the efforts of the Onu Igala, Dr Mohammed Sani Ali Abuka.
A prophet from Holy Christ Church, Onitsha, Gabriel Ohaekenyem, described the Igala Carnival as impressive, saying that it was the collective efforts and enthusiasms of the community that made the event possible, expressing concern about the integrity of the electoral process on the upcoming election in the state.
He pointed out that corruption and focus on personal gains are major obstacles to fair and clear election.
In their separate speeches, Secretary, Nkpa LGA, Mr Samuel Negedu, Dr Omojal Victor from Ibazi LGA, Anambra State Chairman from Ankpa LG of Kogi State, Comrade Sulema, Comrade Samuel Ushene from Odomagwu community, Omoja Ibaji from Kogi State, Senior Special Assistant(SSA) to Oni Igala of Anambra State, Jeremiah Onewa, Baba Dalami ( known as Adoja Ede) from Ibaji LGA in Kogi State, Chief Doctor Edidan, Mustafa Omoru from Anambra East, Chief Garuba Oshia Oluwan from Anambra, Chief Doctor Mohammadu Sani Ali Ogoyi, a high ranking chief and ambassador of the Ata of Igala Kingdom in Anambra State, said they were thrilled to see the Igala community come together from parts of Nigeria, including Lagos , Abuja, ltokoja, Kaduna to celebrate the Igala Carnival in the state, believing that the celebration will bring peace, unity, and prosperity to Igala people and Anambra State as a whole.
They encouraged everyone to treat each other like family, regardless of their state or country of origin, while urging them to go in peace and live in harmony.
