…says preserving culture pivotal for future generations

By Chinedu Sabastine

The Edeaniegu community in Isi Ozalla in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, celebrated their annual Ancestral Day, honoring the bravery of their forefathers who resisted migrants and secured their land.

The traditional leader, His Royal Majesty Don Sylvester Chinedu Nweke who led the celebrations, joined by his cabinet chiefs and members of the community marked the day in grand style.

The event, which takes place every 3rd of January, is a significant occasion for the Edeaniegu people, marking their existence and the struggles of their ancestors.

“The community gathered to pay tribute to their forebears, who fought gallantly to protect their land and heritage”. Don Sylvester said.

The traditional leader of the community explained that Edeaniagu was the ancient man who welcomed migrants from Udi, Ituku, Akegbe, and Aro, and later resisted colonial masters. “He was a strong leader who built relationships and secured peace for his people.

“The celebration is a reminder of the community’s history and heritage. Edeaniagu’s legacy is one of resilience, bravery, and wisdom. He stopped the war between the migrants and the indigenous people, and later intervened in conflicts between neighboring communities.

The community leader lamented that many people have forgotten their history and are spreading false narratives and emphasized the importance of preserving and teaching their history to future generations.

The celebration is a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving its cultural identity and honoring its ancestors and a book detailing the community’s history was also launched during the occasion.

The celebration was also a grand affair, with traditional dances, music, and rituals performed to honor the ancestors.

Because of the importance and significance of the day, His Royal Majesty, Don Sylvester Chinedu Nweke and his cabinet chiefs led the procession, paying homage to the founding fathers of Edeaniegu.

The Edeaniegu Ancestral Day, being an important cultural event, showcase the community’s rich heritage and traditions. It serves as a reminder of the community’s history and the sacrifices made by their ancestors to secure their land and future.

The celebrations demonstrate the community’s commitment to preserving their cultural identity and honoring their ancestors. It was a joyous occasion, with members of the community coming together to celebrate their shared heritage.

Prior to the Ancestral Day proper, Don Sylvester’s sister, a renowned academic and Shell Executive, Professor Munachimso Ebelechukwu Nweke-Okoye, Ufam Ozalla, celebrated their mother expressing gratitude to her for giving birth to 10 children, five boys and five girls.

According to Ufam Ozalla, “In Igbo tradition, once a woman gives birth from up to 9 children and above, there is this ceremony that is usually performed for her. It is called “igbu ewu ukwu” ritual, a goat-killing ceremony to tap into her mother’s anointing for longevity”. Ufam Ozalla said.

Professor Nweke-Okoye’s mother, who raised 10 children single-handedly after losing her husband early in life, was well honored during the ceremony. Her resilience and dedication to her children’s education were acknowledged.

Professor Nweke-Okoye, during the period, empowered members of her community, including men, women, and children, with items such as hairdressing equipment, bags of rice, beans, tubers of yam, and a car. A gesture that is part of her commitment to giving back to society.

In her community, Professor Nweke-Okoye has trained over one hundred (100) persons, and her philanthropic efforts extend beyond Ozalla. She has trained numerous individuals in Nigerian universities and empowered many more.

The event was a celebration of Professor Nweke-Okoye’s life, achievements, and commitment to her community. It was a testament to her impact on the lives of many.

The people of Edeaniegu community and beyond are proud of Professor Nweke-Okoye’s accomplishments and look forward to her continued contributions to society.

Chief Dubem Onyia, Nigeria’s former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, will be laid to rest on Friday, May 2, at his Enugu Ngwo home.

The former House of Representatives member passed away on March 10, 2025, at the age of 73 in Abuja, following a brief illness.

According to the information contained in the burial arrangement signed by his son, Engr. Emeka Ike Onyia, on behalf of the family, the final journey of the late elder statesman had already begun with a Requiem Mass in his honour at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, and night of tributes at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, both in Abuja.

This would be followed by another night of tributes at the Amadeo Event Centre, Ebeano Tunnel Road, on Tuesday, April 29, and Christian wake at his country home’s Colliery Comprehensive School Field, Ngwo.

The funeral mass will commence at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ngwo, while interment follows immediately after the mass.

“It is with sadness but gratitude to Almighty God for a life well-lived, that we communicate the death of Chief Gideon Dubem Onyia, which sad event took place on Monday, March 10, 2025.

“Chief Dubem Onyia was 73 years old before passing. He served Nigeria and the society in many capacities. He was a devout Christian, a committed Catholic and member of the revered Knight of Saint John International who served God with unwavering dedication. His love for God was demonstrated in his love for people. He was a leader par excellence both in his community, Enugu Ngwo, his state Enugu, and the country at large,” the statement read.

Mourning the departure of the late sage, the chairman of the burial committee, Prof Richard Okechukwu, said Chief Onyia would be greatly missed by his people, adding that he was a man full of compassion and love for humanity.

“We are still mourning his demise. Chief Dubem Onyia was not only a pillar and bedrock in Ngwo, he stood as an architect of love, discipline, and great ideas that helped pull many out of the pit of poverty. He was a leading light to our people, and we thank God for blessing us with such a wonderful gift,” he added.

… As Enugu rally around governor across party divides

… _We owe you the truth – Monsignor Obiora Ike_

_Edeoga, Enugu NASS Caucus hail_

… _I won’t betray your trust, Mbah tells Enugu citizens_

The Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Godfrey Onah, has commended the governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah on what he described as highly improved security of lives and property in the state.

He equally lauded his infrastructural transformation efforts and overall speedy development of the state, describing him as a trailblazer in the business of governance.

Bishop Onah spoke at a surprise birthday dinner put together in Mbah’s honour by his aides and admirers across party lines and religious denominations to mark his 53rd birthday in Enugu on Monday evening.

At the event, which had in attendance the former governors Sullivan Chime and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as well as Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Senator Okey Ezea and Member representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Agbo both of Labour Party as well as several other opposition leaders, leaders of various religious bodies, the Catholic clergy commended Mbah for recognizing the contributions of his successors and for his all-inclusive approach to governance.

“Building on successive achievements of the leaders of this state without exception, Gov. Mbah has consolidated.

“If you don’t know what to do about security, come to Enugu State. You are doing well and a lot on security.

“So, we are all here to pray for you to continue your good work,” he stated.

Also speaking, Catholic priest, teacher and scholar, Rev. Monsignor Obiora Ike, commended the governor for keeping the state secure and peaceful, while also vowing to continue to stand by the governor, telling him the truth at all times to ensure he did not derail.

“The previous governor, another former governor and the current governor are all sitting completely together here, one next another. There is something convincing about this. It is your demeanour and humility that make it possible. Others will say, ‘it is only me that will stand as a king,’ but that is not who you are and what you do,” Monsignor Ike, who is also a professor, stated.

Earlier in their goodwill message, the Enugu State Caucus, House of Representatives, comprising members of the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party, also eulogised the governor’s performance and leadership style.

“We proudly identify with your laudable efforts in the transformation of our state through your inclusive development governance model.

“We wish you many happy returns, divine wisdom and support as you superintend over the affairs of our dear state,” the Caucus said.

Likewise, the Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 governorship election, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, in his goodwill message on several news channels, commended Mbah and prayed for God’s continued wisdom and grace upon him and his leadership.

Meanwhile, Governor Mbah, while expressing profound gratitude to the people and leaders of the state, who looked beyond political and all manner of divides to accord him a pleasant surprise and continue to support his administration, vowed that he would never let them down.

“In October 2022, when we outlined our plans and vision, we promised Ndi Enugu that we are going to make Enugu State the premier destination for business, investment, for leisure and for living.

“We also said that beyond growing our economy to an exponential level, we were also going to eradicate poverty, which is largely responsible for our grassroots and all-inclusive approach to development where nobody is left out.

“We made a promise that day that we were going to serve with every fiber of our being; that we will not betray the trust. I am also standing before you this evening to reenact that promise that I will not let you down. And we are not going to betray your trust. We are going to serve you with every fiber of our being,” Mbah assured.