OGBUNIKE COMMUNITY MARKS 2026 NWAFOR FESTIVAL WITH THANKSGIVING, CULTURAL DISPLAYS

By Angela Oduche

The Ogbunike community in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra on July 18, celebrated the 2026 Nwafor Festival with thanksgiving, colourful cultural displays and renewed calls for unity and the preservation of its rich cultural heritage.

The annual festival, which marks the end of the farming season, drew indigenes from across Nigeria and the diaspora, alongside friends, guests and well wishers, to the Ogbunike Town Hall.

In his welcome address, the Prime Minister of Ogbunike Kingdom, Chief A.C. Osadebe, thanked sons and daughters of the community for their unwavering support, which contributed to the successful celebration of the festival.

He particularly commended Ogbunike indigenes at home and abroad for their continued contributions to the community’s growth and development, noting that their commitment had strengthened unity and helped preserve its cultural heritage.

Also speaking, Prof. Onuora Samuel thanked God for His faithfulness, mercy and protection over the people of Ogbunike.

He described the Nwafor Festival as a season of thanksgiving and reflection, saying it provided an opportunity to appreciate God for a fruitful farming season while seeking greater harvests and prosperity in the coming year.

Chief Afam Okeke urged the younger generation to uphold the customs and traditions of Ogbunike, describing the community’s cultural values as essential for promoting peace, unity and sustainable development.

The Vice President-General of the Ogbunike Progressive Union (OPU), Hon. Obilaw Oduche, also thanked God for a successful celebration and commended residents for maintaining peace and unity throughout the festival.

He urged the people to remain committed to initiatives that would advance the growth and development of the community.

Highlights of the celebration included cultural dances, traditional performances, masquerade displays and goodwill messages from prominent sons and daughters of Ogbunike, reaffirming the community’s resolve to preserve its cultural identity while strengthening the bonds of unity among its people.

Angela Oduche is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State

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ONITSHA NORTH CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATION COMES ALIVE WITH COLOURFUL MARCH PAST, CULTURAL DISPLAYS

By Chioma Nwankwo

The atmosphere at Justice Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, Onitsha, was filled with excitement, music, and colourful displays as the Mayor of Onitsha North Local Government Area, Hon. Nweze Tony Nwora, organised a grand march past exercise to celebrate the 2026 Children’s Day with children and residents of the community.

The event attracted pupils, students, teachers, parents, education stakeholders, and community leaders from different parts of Onitsha North, creating a lively gathering dedicated to celebrating children and promoting unity through education and culture.

During the celebration held today May 27, various government and private schools participated in an impressive march past competition before the Mayor and other dignitaries present at the stadium.

In the primary school category, All Saints Primary School emerged in first position, while Santa Maria Primary School secured second place. Woliwo Primary School II came third after displaying discipline, coordination, and creativity during the parade.

In the secondary school category, Regina Pacis Secondary School, Onitsha, won the first position, while Anglican Girls Grammar School came second. Inland Girls Secondary School secured the third position.

Speaking during the event, Hon. Tony Nwora described children as the future of society and stressed the need for continuous investment in their education, welfare, and moral upbringing.

“Children remain the hope of a better tomorrow. Every child deserves an environment where they can learn, grow, and pursue their dreams without limitations. Today’s celebration is not just about entertainment, but about encouraging our young people to believe in themselves and strive for excellence,” he said.

The mayor, who personally received the march past salute, commended participating schools for their discipline and outstanding performances, noting that the event reflected the rich educational and cultural heritage of Onitsha North.

A major highlight of the celebration was the colourful cultural dance presentations by primary school pupils from different schools. The performances brought excitement and traditional flair to the stadium as attendees applauded the creativity and energy displayed by the children.

At the end of the competition, trophy cups were presented to the first-position winners by the Mayor of Onitsha North, while the Deputy Mayor, Mrs. Ejiagwa Ijeoma, presented certificates of recognition to schools that finished in second and third positions.

Some of the participating students expressed joy and appreciation for the opportunity to celebrate Children’s Day in such an atmosphere of unity and happiness.

One of the pupils who participated in the cultural display said, “We are very happy today. We practised for weeks and we are excited that everybody enjoyed our performance.”

The event later concluded with music, dancing, and refreshments as children, teachers, and guests celebrated in a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.