Anukam Urges Owere Nchi-Ise to Uphold Unity of Purpose
By Kelechi Ugo
The former President-General of the Owerri Communities Assembly (OCA), Chief Christian Anukam (Agbawodikeizu), has called on the five communities that make up Owere Nchi-Ise, the traditional heart of Owerri in Imo State, to remain united and uphold a collective sense of purpose.
Speaking to journalists during the recently held Oru Owere festival at Ugwu Ekwema, Chief Anukam reflected on his efforts to foster unity among the people of Owere Nchi-Ise during and after his tenure as President-General of the OCA. He revealed that he has continued to support various age grades and Nde Oha with financial donations to ensure the successful celebration of the Oru Owere festival.
“I am a tested and trusted leader,” he declared. “And I am happy that we are now united under the umbrella of the Owerri Communities Assembly. There is no doubt that I played a significant role in achieving this unity.”
In his remarks, the current President-General of the OCA, Hon. Ogueri Emeana, emphasized the uniqueness of the Oru Owere festival, distinguishing it from the widely celebrated New Yam Festival in other Igbo communities.
“Oru Owere is more than a harvest celebration,” he explained. “It is a festival rich in cultural heritage and traditional displays. Unlike the New Yam Festival, we do not celebrate new yam; instead, we celebrate Oru Owere in remembrance of our ancestor, Ekwema Arugo.”
Hon. Emeana credited the smooth organization and success of this year’s festival to the proactive leadership of the new OCA executive, which assumed office less than two months ago.
Both leaders underscored the importance of preserving the cultural identity of Owere Nchi-Ise and working collectively to strengthen unity and community development.
