By Polycarp Ifeanyi Onitsha
It was actually an exhibition of Igbo cultural heritage as the people of Irefi Oraifite in Ekwusigo local government area of Anambra State celebrated Ufiejioku Festival in a grand style.
Irefi Oraifite Ufiejioku Festival which aligning with Igboebinie Ufiejioku Global Festival was said to be the second celebration and began with words of exortation and prayers at Irefi Civic Center by Venerable Kenechukwu Obi.
In his words, Venerable Obi reminded the people of Irefi that the Ufiejioku Festival is a fantastic event and ample opportunity for them to put heads together and discuss their common goals.
The cleric drew inspiration from the books of Daniel chapter 5 vs1, emphasizing that as they were feasting, they should not forget the Almighty God which he said is the Creator of the universe and owner of life.
He said, " Praise God in anything you are doing. Give God honour. If you don't have God, something lacks in your life. If we separate from God, we are empty. But, if we put God first in our lives, everything would be alright for us. So, let us respect God who made yam"
Performing the Iwaji, the "Obiukwu ii" Obi Irefi, His Highness, Obi Sunday Enekwuizu asserted that Irefi was glad to celebrate Ufiejioku Festival, appreciating the Almighty God for this year's bumper harvest in the land of Irefi.
He solicited for God's maximum protection to Irefiland , people as well as long life and abundant prosperity which he said was the hallmark of the celebration.
In an interview with newsmen, Enekwuizu reiterated that Ufiejioku Festival is specifically thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bumper harvest in their farming production, adding that it was equally appreciation to God for the success of Irefi people in their various live endeavours.
He, however, recounted oneness, unity and progress as part of benefits of celebrating Ufiejioku Festival especially in Irefi, appealing God to sustain Ufiejioku Festival so that their children would take after them in due course of time.
Equally speaking at the event, the Chairman of Irefi Obi in Council, Prince Chinedu Nsoffor, Ichie Nzedike Oraifite noted that Ufiejioku Festival is a period of appreciating Chukwuokike for His blessings to the people of Irefi Obododike Isinebuogidi.
He pointed out that the blessings from God for the farming production also covers all the vocations of Irefi people, expressing that the Festival is a jubilation and appreciation to God for His abundant blessings in various ways so that He could do more for them.
The President of Igboebinie Plc, Nzedike 1, explained that Ufiejioku is an angel and servant of Chukwuokike which aides Ndigbo in farming production and productivity, contending that Ufiejioku is not a festival for the Christian or Pagan worshippers but purely festival for Ndigbo.
He reiterated that Ufiejioku is Igbo god of plantation, saying that all Igbo people whether pagan worshippers or Christian or Muslim worshippers, Ufiejioku is for everyone including Delta, Rivers and all the five Igbo speaking States.
" I thank God Almighty. This year's festival is better than the previous year and next year would be the best. As we progress, we would be correcting areas we didn't get it well. There is no fetish practice here" Said Ichie Nzedike Oraifite.
Also speaking the Chairman of Irefi Oraifite Ufiejioku Global Festival, Ichie Sir Mike Onwuegbu emphasized the need for Ndi Irefi to think home and embrace our cultural heritage, pointing out that next year's Ufiejioku shall include competition on best Yam Production in the village.
Dignitaries at the festival included; Chairman of the occasion and majority leader, Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Sir Ikenna Ofodeme, TC Chairman Ekwusigo LGA, Mr. Chimezie James Obi, PG of Oraifite, Sir. Vin Dike, Ichie Ezeafulukwe Oraifite.
Others are Directors of Igboebinie Plc; Odogwu Agunabo, and wife, Hon. Basil Asomugha and wife, APGA Chairman of Ekwusigo LGA, Obi Ezumeri, Obi Ifite Oraifite, Oraifite Palace Council represented by Ichie Ezeamalu, Ichie Mmilienwilo and Ichie Nnanyelugo as well as sons and daughters of Irefi, youths and children, friends and associates.
Various cultural troupes, masquerade were displayed, eating and drinking also 1000 loaves of Lovebite Bread, donated by Lovebite Bread and Bev Ltd, shared at promo price formed highlight of the festival.
Tags
NEWS