By: uzorigwe Gloria, Abakalik.
A Senior Lecturer at Ebonyi State University, Professor Anthony Itumo, has commended the member representing Ikwo/Ezza-South Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Comrade) Chinedu Ogah, OON, for reviving the Aji Ereke Festival — a popular and culturally significant event celebrated annually in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Professor Itumo made the commendation during the 2025 Amagu Aji Ereke Annual Cultural Carnival, held at Edukwu Edo in Item Amagu, according to the agreed rotation for hosting the celebration.
In his address, the scholar recounted the history of Amagu cultural heritage and emphasized the importance of preserving it.
“This culture must not be allowed to go extinct,” he said. “I call on traditional leaders to uphold the fulcrum of our culture and tradition. Its significance remains deeply rooted in the history of mankind.”
On behalf of the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa, congratulated the Amagu community for keeping their cultural heritage alive.
The governor reassured the community of his continuous commitment to peace and development, including the construction of a 5km road project starting from Abina Amagu, already captured in the 2025 state budget.
“I remain committed to grassroots development,” the governor stated through his representative. “I urge the community to continue living in peace and maintaining unity. Our administration will continue to support cultural heritage and community development.”
He further applauded the lawmaker representing Ikwo/Ezza-South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. (Comrade) Chinedu Ogah, OON, for his role in preserving the people’s cultural identity.
Other notable speakers at the event, including the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Matthias Adum; the Principal Secretary to the Governor represented by the Ebonyi Local Government Chairman, Prince Chinedu Uburu; Chief Okeagu Ogada; a representative of the Ikwo Local Government Chairman, Chief Sunday Nwankwo; and traditional rulers all praised the organizers.
They described the cultural carnival as an annual celebration that continues to strengthen unity, promote progress, and attract development to the area.
The event was attended by respected stakeholders, including Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru; Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Ije Odunwa; Senator Kenneth Eze (represented by Dr. Philip Eworo); Rt. Hon. (Comrade) Chinedu Ogah, OON; Chief Matthias Adum; Prince Chinedu Uburu; Chief Sunday Nwankwo; Chief Okeagu Ogada; Commissioners; State Executive Council members led by Deputy APC Chairman Hon. Chinedu Nwali; Coordinators; Councillors, and many others.