By Regina Igwebuike
The Obizi Women, Awka South II Constituency, have held their 2nd Annual Cultural Carnival 2026 with a colourful celebration of Igbo heritage, unity and women empowerment, bringing together women from the seven communities that make up Obizi — Amawbia, Nibo, Nise, Isiagu, Umuawulu, Mbaukwu and Ezinator.
The event, themed “Celebrating Our Culture, Promoting Unity and Empowering Women,” was held on October 24, at Central School, Amawbia, with cultural displays, traditional competitions and ‘Akuko uwa’ presentations that underscored culture as an instrument for peace and community development.
The Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly and Member representing Awka South II Constituency, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Pius Okoye (Ozo Mkpuluobu), joined the Obizi Women as Grand Patron.
As part of his support for the group, the Rt. Hon. Okoye donated two tricycles — one each for Awka North and Awka South, to serve as a source of revenue to assist members facing financial challenges, while reaffirming his commitment to women empowerment, unity and community development to ensure that no member is left behind.
A major highlight of the carnival was the presentation of a prestigious Award of Appreciation to Sen. Victor Umeh, Prof. Oby Orogbu, Hon. Dozie Nwankwo, Rt. Hon. Pius Okoye, Hon. Obby Nwankwo, others in recognition of their leadership contributions and engagement with communities across the district.
The awardees, in their separate remarks, expressed profound appreciation for the honour, describing women as the backbone of every healthy society, while pledging to continue to champion development, progress and empowerment of the people.
The Cultural Carnival also featured cutting of cake and keenly contested competitions, with Nibo Community clinching first position in both the Cultural Parade and Lolo competitions, followed by Amawbia and Nise in the parade category, and Amawbia and Isiagu in the Lolo category. Ezinato Community emerged winner of the Eating Competition ahead of Isiagu and Umuawulu, while Mbaukwu Community took first position in the Water Drinking Competition, with Umuawulu and Isiagu securing second and third positions respectively.
In her vote of thanks, the Convener, QueenLady (Dr.) Ngozi Theresa Ekwunife, returned glory to God for the successful hosting of the carnival and expressed profound appreciation to the Grand Patron, Rt. Hon. Okoye (Ozo Mkpuluobi), for his support toward women empowerment, as well as the Royal Father of the Day, HRH Igwe Uchenna Sunday Okonkwo (Okpaligwe Amawbia), Mother of the Day, Elder Tina Ezeama, and special guests and awardees.
Dr. Ekwunife also commended the women of the seven communities that make up Obizi, the cultural performers, planning committee, volunteers, sponsors and well-wishers, whose dedication and cooperation made the carnival a resounding success, describing the event as not just a celebration but a demonstration of the collective strength of women and their commitment to preserving heritage and building a united and empowered community.
Regina Igwebuike is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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