By Charles Ogbonnaya
The Abia State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Barr. Tony Nwamuo has commended Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for setting up machineries that will aid in promoting and repositioning positively the culture and tourism sector in the state.
Speaking during the year 2022 Ekpe festival of Ndoki Community held at Obunku square, in Ukwa East, Barr. Nwamuo noted that he is happy to partake in this years Ekpe Cultural Festival of his people, stressed the need for the nation’s vast and rich cultural heritage to be strategically strengthened and repositioned to partner tourism as it’s driver towards uplifting the nation’s economy.
Also speaking, the executive chairman of Ukwa East LGA, Hon. Chuks Wabara and his wife described the Ndoki annual Ekpe Cultural Festival as a unique and historical one that distinguishes the Ndoki people from other communities, also pointed out that the nation stands a great chance of surviving the current economic meltdown facing the entire globe if it could focus more on culture and tourism.
In an interview, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Culture and Tourism, Princess Onyekachi Atulomah reiterated that the Abia State government under Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu has performed creditably in the state tourism sector and is taking concrete steps at uplifting and repositioning the tourism sector in the state for the better.
Princess Atulomah while assuring the people of Ndoki of the state governments preparedness to partner with relevant development agencies in other to harness the tourism potentials of the area, described the annual Ekpe Cultural Festival as a unique event that brings to limelight the true identity of the Ndoki people.
Contributing, the Chief Priest of Ohanso Ndoki, Chief Alwell Onyemaechi expressed maximum joy over the massive turn out of the people at the event, further disclosed that the Ndoki Ekpe Cultural Festival which is usually preceded with the new year farming season also affords indigenes of the area the opportunity to come together to celebrate their rich cultural heritage.
Earlier in his speech, the host, an indigene of Ndoki, Mr Chimezie Otuka noted that festivals are veritable instruments for national integration and peaceful co-existence. He disclosed that the Ekpe festivals are organized by the Ndoki community to mark the end of the farming season and the beginning of a new one.
According to him, the Ekpe Cultural Festival had been in existence from time inmemorial, pointing out that it showcases the culture and heritage of the Ndoki people, adding that the Ekpe masquerade was designed to bring all the people of the community together.
Highlight of the event was the display of different masquerade groups, dance amongst other colourful cultural displays.
