OFAAC Hosts 20th Anioma Cultural Festival in Grand Style

By Patrick Ochei

Asaba, Delta State, came alive on Easter Monday as the Anioma Nation celebrated the 20th edition of the Anioma Cultural Festival in a colourful display of tradition, unity, and heritage.

The event, organised by the Organisation for the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC), attracted dignitaries from across Delta State and beyond, marking both the festival’s 20th anniversary and OFAAC’s 23rd year of promoting Anioma culture.

Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, congratulated the Anioma people for sustaining the festival over two decades. He described the initiative as a major contribution to cultural preservation and tourism development in the state.

“Culture is the soul of a people. It defines values, shapes behaviour, and can unlock entrepreneurial opportunities,” he said, urging youths to embrace and preserve their heritage.

The immediate past Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, called for continued support for OFAAC, noting that the festival has strengthened unity and peaceful coexistence among Anioma communities.

In his remarks, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, commended OFAAC President, Arc. Kester Ifeadi, for sustaining the festival and building a lasting cultural legacy.

Also speaking, the Grand Patron of OFAAC and Obi of Owa Kingdom, Obi (Dr.) Emmanuel Efeizomor, offered prayers for peace and unity in Anioma land.

In his welcome address, Arc. Ifeadi attributed the success of OFAAC to the collective efforts of the Anioma people. He reiterated that Anioma has a long-standing identity and announced the Anioma Heritage Project aimed at documenting and preserving the people’s history.

Vice President of OFAAC, Mr. Paddy Ugboh, highlighted the uniqueness of Anioma culture, noting its richness in language, cuisine, arts, and traditional practices.

The festival drew an impressive turnout of traditional rulers: Obi of Owa, HRM Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor, Obi of Ubulu-Uno and 2nd Vice Chairman of Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Obi Henry Afamefune Kikachukwu Ph.D, Asagba of Asaba, HRM (Prof) Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge SAN, Obi of Issele-Uku, HRM Agbogidi Obi Nduka JP (MNSE) and many others.
The political leaders: Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, former Governor of Delta State, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ngozi Okolie, Deputy Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, Leader of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi Ph.D, member representing Aniocha South, Hon. Isaac Anwuzia, member representing Oshimili South, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, member representing Oshimili North, Hon. Frank Esenwah, member representing Ika North East, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola; Local Government Council Chairmen: Hon. Emma Chinye (Aniocha North), Hon. Chukwunwike Jude Ugbah (Aniocha South), Hon. Monday Odagwe (Ika North-East), Hon. Jerry Ehiwario (Ika South), Hon. Innocent Esewezie (Oshimili North), Hon. Ezenyili Kelvin Obi (Oshimili South), Hon. Vincent Osilonya (Ndokwa East), Hon. Obi Nzete (Ndokwa West) and Hon. Possible Ajede (Ukwuani), including the APC State Deputy Chairman, Chief Moses Iduh, former State DOP, Mr. Ifeanyi Eboigbe, State Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwunyenga and others too numerous to mention.

Other cultural leaders and stakeholders include the Desert Warrior, Chief Newton Jibunoh, Deputy Comptroller General of Immigration, Mr. Brasca Ifeadi (Rtd), Izu Anioma President, Chief Kingsley Ojei, Onu Ika President, ESV Pastor Peter C. Ozili, Omu of Obior, Omu Onyebuchi Okonkwo and others, Odogwu of Ubulu-Uno, Chief Mayor Enujeko, Ozoma of Onicha-Olona, Chief Austen Elumelu, Chairman of Anioma Heritage Project Steering Committee, Chief (Prof) Mrs. Josephine Mokwunyei and a host of others.

The highlight of the event was the emergence of winners in various cultural competitions, including dance, wrestling, flute performances, and masquerade displays, featuring over 150 participating groups.