NWABEKEE CALLS FOR PEACE, UNITY AS HE JOINS OBUDI OWU FESTIVAL CELEBRATION
By Rita Onuoha
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the Oguta State Constituency seat in the 2027 Imo State House of Assembly election, Hon. Goddey Onyewuchi Nwabekee, has called on the youth of Agwa Ancient Kingdom to embrace peace, unity, and cultural values as indispensable foundations for sustainable development and social progress.
Nwabekee made the appeal while attending the opening ceremony of the annual Obudi Owu Festival held at Obuokwu, the ancestral home of the revered Owu tradition in Agwa Clan, where thousands of sons and daughters of Agwa, traditional leaders, youth groups, and cultural enthusiasts gathered to celebrate one of the community's most cherished cultural institutions.
Widely regarded by many of his supporters as a grassroots politician with a reputation for accessibility and community engagement, Nwabekee's presence attracted a warm reception from residents and guests who described him as a bridge-builder committed to fostering understanding and cooperation across political and social divides.
The ADC flag bearer arrived at the venue with members of his entourage and was warmly received by the festival sponsor and host, Mr. Noble Odinaka Anyanwu, Chief Executive Officer of Resident Kitchen Restaurant, who escorted the delegation to the Owu Square where colourful cultural performances and traditional rites were taking place.
In his welcome address, Anyanwu thanked Hon. Nwabekee for honouring the invitation and applauded the people of Obudi and the entire Agwa community for preserving the cultural heritage of Owu.
He described the festival as a symbol of unity handed down by the forefathers and urged continued support for initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence, cultural identity, and communal progress.
"I want to specially appreciate my brother and friend, Hon. Goddey Nwabekee, for finding time to be with us. Agwa is blessed with rich traditions and remarkable people, and together we must preserve our heritage while working for a peaceful and prosperous future," Anyanwu said.
Responding, Nwabekee praised Anyanwu for his investment in cultural development and community service, describing him as an enterprising entrepreneur whose commitment to promoting Agwa's traditions deserves recognition.
He also commended the peaceful conduct of the people and the professionalism of security personnel, noting that the orderly atmosphere reflected the maturity and unity of the community.
According to him, the Owu Festival remains one of the enduring cultural institutions that strengthen communal bonds, preserve tradition, and promote harmony among the people.
"The celebration of Owu Festival brings enormous benefits to our communities. It stimulates local economic activities through increased visitor traffic, promotes tourism, encourages social interaction, and reinforces the values of love, unity, and shared heritage," he stated.
He urged young people to see the festival as more than a cultural celebration, describing it as an opportunity to embrace peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and collective responsibility for the development of Agwa.
While noting that the occasion was primarily a cultural event and not a political rally, Nwabekee briefly informed the gathering of his aspiration to represent Oguta State Constituency in the 2027 general election on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He appealed for the support and prayers of the people, pledging to provide inclusive representation, attract developmental projects, and maintain close contact with constituents if elected.
Many attendees described him as a compassionate leader who maintains close relationships with ordinary people and remains accessible across communities, qualities they believe have strengthened his grassroots appeal and reputation for integrity.
Expressing admiration for the organisation of the festival, the ADC candidate announced a donation of ₦300,000 towards the success of the cultural celebration, describing it as his modest contribution to preserving Agwa's rich cultural heritage and encouraging future generations to uphold their traditions.
The event reached its peak with the captivating performance of Otakpukpu (The Bone Eater) masquerade, one of the most symbolic masquerades that traditionally heralds the commencement of the Owu masquerade season throughout June and July, leading to the annual New Yam Festival celebrated in the first week of August.
The day's activities concluded with a private engagement involving community stakeholders, during which participants exchanged ideas on the development, unity, cultural preservation, and future progress of Agwa Ancient Kingdom.
The colourful gathering once again demonstrated the enduring significance of the Obudi Owu Festival as a platform for cultural renaissance, social cohesion, and community dialogue, bringing together leaders, youths, entrepreneurs, and citizens in a shared commitment to the peace and development of Agwa.
