By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
It was an epoch-making event at the palace of His Royal Highness, Igwe Ogochukwu Daniel Obelle, in Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, as prominent individuals from within and outside the state received prestigious titles during the Igu Aro 2026 festival
In his address, Igwe Obelle described the Igu Aro Cultural Festival as a cherished annual tradition of the Nawfia people, marking the setting of the agenda for another year based on the Igbo lunar calendar of 13 months.
He explained that the Igbo calendar is rooted in the observation of the moon’s anti-clockwise orbits around the earth, with four market days (Eke, Orie, Afor, and Nkwo) making one native week, and seven native weeks constituting a month (Onwa)
Igwe Obelle emphasized that Igu Aro signifies the end of the Igbo lunar calendar and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle, characterized by vibrant cultural displays and festivals
He noted that the occasion is a period of reflection on the past year’s activities and setting expectations for the new year
Earlier, Igwe Obelle had acknowledged a tragic incident on December 7, 2025, where four promising young men were gunned down by unknown gunmen, prompting the Igwe-in-Council to scale down the festival in their honor.
He prayed for the repose of their souls and called on the state government to enhance security in the town, following a presentation by the Nawfia Progressive Union (NPU) led by its president
Recipients of titles, recognized for their contributions to the town’s development, included Sir Chief Ekene Ebuzeme (Ikenga Oba), Mrs. Edith Ifeoma Madubuike (Nee Oduagu), Charles Ndubuisi Ugwu (KSJl), and Ms. Charity Nwakaego Nwokocha In their responses, they thanked Igwe Obelle and his cabinet for the honor and pledged to use their positions to further the town’s growth
Dignitaries present included Lady Ngozi Udogu, Amobi Ebuchide, Chief Sam Ejike Nededum, and others
