EKWEREMADU, OKECHUKWU, OTHERS CELEBRATE CULTURE WITH ENUGU COMMUNITY

A former Deputy president of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, the Deputy Minority Ieader, house of representatives, Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu, as well as other dignitaries has celebrated the IFUNAKWA festival with the good people of Obeagu town of Awgu local government area of Enugu state.

Obeagu, the legendary descendant of Nevo n’Ugama, a town which birthed Six Villages; Uhueze, Eziama, Enugwu-n’abo-n’obuo, Amuoji, Ebenebe and Ogwuagbom, has over the years, welcomed entrants into the age grade system through a festival called Ifunakwa.

A festival, UGAMATV gathered, was at inception, being celebrated once every twelve years, it was reduced to the interval of Nine years and Subsequently, till the Now, Six-yearly.

This Festival has so far, launched Ten Age grades, namely according to their seniority; Chinedu, Oganiru, Oguadinma, Ikenga, Igwebuike, Azubike, Ifeadigo, Chidera, Chibueze , Chinemeze and Osinachi Age grades. The Chinedu Age grade is the oldest in record having about 56years on their caps, Osinachi Age grade, however is the youngest for now.

A respondent, Sir Godwin Egungwu told UGAMATV that the IFUNAKWA festival is one that welcomes young men into manhood in Obeagu.

“It is a sign of maturity and coming of age. Once a young man is sworn into an age grade through the IFUNAKWA festival, he has become a taxable indigene of Obeagu. If this particular young man commits a crime, he shall receive the full wrath of the law as he will be tried, judged and sentenced as a grown man, no longer as a minor.”

“By this initiation, he has automatically joined the UMUNNA, (the kindred), he is liable to any payment, levies and fines as apportioned to him by his kindred and the community at large. His opinions begins to count in any gathering as he is entitled to serenity while he speaks, he is given audience to air his views, depending on the situation on ground, he can then make biddings .”

“If he has the resources, he can then proceed to ask for a woman’s hand in marriage, he becomes entitled to lands and other assets due to him from his immediate and extended family. Communally, he is entitled to anything due for any man who belongs to an age grade.”

“IFUNAKWA, accords respect to young men in Obeagu. Young men that are yet to perform the traditional rites, are considered “Children”, their ages notwithstanding. He could be likened to effeminate as he has not been sworn into the league of men.”, Egungwu said.

The males of Obeagu that are considered due for the IFUNAKWA ceremony must have attained the age of 18 years. He must also be the next in line to be initiated into an age grade in his nuclear family.

“If an older brother is yet to be initiated, the younger brother must wait till he is done with his rites, then commence his in the next six years. Every family must do this sequentially, according to seniority.”, Egungwu said.

To commence the rites, the young men are duly sensitized about the perks of being an age grade entrants as well as the consequences. The older age grades as well as their kinsmen, take turns in educating them about being a man in Obeagu.

They are given plethora of rules which are all benched on taking and accepting responsiblities.

Several trainings are done prior to the D-day.

On the faithful day of the IFUNAKWA festival, all the initiates from the six villages, converge at the Square, which has already been designed and decorated to accept them.

Chants “ IHOOOI, IHOOOI, IHOOOI” is being heard all over the large square as the initiates jump and dance in unison to the sounds of Ikoro, Ogene and Igbo, the local music making instruments.

Their families, friends, other curious onlookers and guests are seen cheering their people, while taking pictures for memory’s sakes.

The entrants are usually culled and arranged in uniforms as and according to their respective villages.

This year’s IFUNAKWA festival took place on the 5th of April, 2021.

Admonishing the initiates amid the festivities while reminiscing about the good old days, Okechukwu stated that “In the olden days, the initiates of the IFUNAKWA festival become extremely useful and purposeful for the community as specific tasks are apportioned to them individually and as a group.”

“Tasks that included community guards, community carers, road maintainers amongst others.”

“However, I urge you all to work towards the promotion of peace and security in your respective villages.”

“There have been series of vandalisation of Electrical accessories within this hemisphere, you can mobilize yourselves, aiding the vigilantees to fish out those hoodlums.”

“I congratulate you all, welcome to being a full fledged Obeagu Man.” Okechukwu concluded.

Other dignitaries that graced the occasion includes, The Excecutive Chairman of the Awgu LGA, Hon. Pedro Okwudiri Nwankwo, Wife of Deputy Minority leader, Mrs. Lilian Uche Okechukwu, House of assembly Member representing Awgu South constituency, Hon. Johnson Chukwuobasi, Enugu state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ugonna Ibe, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Obi Kama, Enugu State Former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Uche Uzochukwu, Publicity Secretary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Alex Chiedozie Ogbonnia, PDP state Secretary, Hon. Cletus Akalusi, PDP state Financial Secretary, Hon. Alphonsus Orji, Enugu west PDP Chairman, Ozo Okey Ozoani, PDP Chairman Awgu local government, Okey Udeh, Barr. Eze O. Eze, Hon. Godwin Ikechukwu Udeuhele, Engr. Ivoke, Hon Egwuonwu Obasi, Barr Pc Chukwu and many others.

The Event was Chaired by Hon. J. C. Ikemefuna, while Chief C. C. Ukekwe Co-hosted it with the Honourable commissioner for Culture and Tourism.

Hon. Prince Gilbert Chikwado Chukwunta was the patron, Chief Pius Ojiocha was the grand patron.

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