By Don Peter Okoro.
The President of Nnewi Youth Forum, Hon. Ucheagwu Ejim has commended both indigenes and non- indigenes of Nnewi for the peaceful and successful conduct of the 2024 Afiaolu Nnewi Cultural Festival which is presently ongoing.
The annual ceremony started on Wednesday the 28th of August and will conclude on Sunday the 1st of September 2024. Speaking to Journalists who came to cover the event, Hon. Ucheagwu Ejim expressed his deep appreciation to the people of Nnewi for their cooperation. In his words: “I really want to appreciate Ndi-Nnewi for the peaceful and orderly manner we have conducted ourselves so far in the course of this year’s Afiaolu festival. In the past, there used to be pockets of ugly incidents here and there, but I can tell you for free that we have not witnessed such a thing this year. Everything is going on smoothly as can be seen. This year’s Afiaolu has really brought the entire Nnewi together and we are united more than ever before. The four quarters came in their numbers for the Festival. Otolo Nnewi was led by the Crown Prince Barr. Dr. Obianefo Orizu who stood in for the Igwe Nnewi, His Royal Highness Igwe K.O.N. Orizu 111. Uruagu was led by the Obi Uruagu, Obi Charles Afam Obi, (Ogidi 1V,) the Umudim Quarter was led by the Obi Umudim, Obi Bennett Okafor, (Amaukwu), while Nnewichi was ably led by Obi Nnewichi, Obi George Onyeakaba (Obidigwu). From every indices, the festival is a huge success and we are still celebrating till Sunday. Today, being the Opening Ceremony, we witnessed the Traditional Yam Cutting/Eating Ceremony, which every quarter happily participated in. We had a very exciting time watching the wrestling matches among the four quarters, the dancing competition among the women, the showcasing of Big Yams. We also had a Key Note Address by an Nnewi Born Banker Prince Afam Nwosu. I can tell you confidently and without mincing words that this is a very wonderful and successful outing.”
On his words of advice to Ndi–Nnewi, he replied:”I want to implore the people of Nnewi to let peace reign and allow brotherly love to continue. We are known for our ability to handle our internal misunderstanding without external involvement. We should focus more on the things that bind us together like this Afiaolu Nnewi Cultural Festival and downplay on the things that divide us. Let us stay united and allow peace and progress to take place. Better days are coming and we will all live to enjoy. Nnewi is known for greatness and we will continue to be Great. Thank you.”