… Commends Awka Youths for Showing Discipline
By Michael Nnebife
Top government officials of Prof Chukwuma Soludo’s Administration in Anambra State, have expressed satisfaction with the level of discipline and order exhibited by Awka Youths during the last segment of the 2025 Egwu Imoka Festival.
In separate interviews with newsmen shortly after observing the cultural celebration of Awka People which took place on Saturday, 24th May, the government officials lauded the Awka Youths for showing what they described as a sense of discipline and order, during the cultural event.
The officials included the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr Don Onyenji; the Managing Director, Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, ACTDA, Dr Ossy Onuko, among others.
Mr Onyenji said the 2025 Egwu Imoka Festival was one of the most peaceful and coordinated in recent years, applauding the youths for what he called their vibrant involvement and the traditional ambience that filled the streets of Awka Community.
Onyenji noted that the event had grown steadily over the years and was now drawing wider attention within the state.
He commended the level of discipline and order exhibited by the participants and described the turnout as inspiring.
‘This year’s celebration was peaceful, better organized and truly reflective of our cultural values.
‘The Imoka Festival must continue to be celebrated with even greater impact in the coming years,’ the Anambra Culture Commissioner said.
He however expressed concern over the absence of formal collaboration with relevant government agencies.
According to him, despite the importance of the festival, invitations were not formally extended to government officials, including his office.
‘By next year, more effort should be made to formally involve government at all levels,’ the Commissioner advised, saying that such cultural festivals should not be held in isolation.
He highlighted the potential for broader recognition, urging Awka Community to collaborate with his Ministry to include Egwu Imoka in the state and federal cultural festival calendars.
Onyenji pointed out that proper documentation and inclusion would create opportunities for national visibility and global recognition, particularly through what he described as a possible UNESCO enlistment.
‘International recognition begins with formal structures; we must position Egwu Imoka to attract the world,’ Commissioner Onyenji added.
For his part, Dr Onuko praised the organizers and participants of the event for their commitment to preserving the cultural identity of Awka Community.
Onuko noted that beyond entertainment, the festival served as a unifying platform for the community.
‘Egwu Imoka is a cultural symbol; it connects us to our roots and strengthens our social fabric.
‘We will continue to support cultural events that foster unity and promote development,’ the ACTDA boss, who is also an illustrious son of the soil, said.
Also in attendance at the festival were the Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor; the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Patrick Agha Mba; some Awka stakeholders and community leaders, among others.
