By Mary Ugorji
The people of Nguru Uboma Ahia-ise in Aboh Mbaise LGA of Imo State, have Celebrated Itu- Aka cultural festival in funfare.
The ceremony which took place at Sacred Heart Parish, Nguru Center on Saturday, saw dignitaries from all walks of life including politicians like Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Rev. Dr. Simeon C. Nwulu, Hon. Chief Eddy Obinna, Engr. Chibuzor Albert Agulanna, Barr. Dr. Paschal Ukpabi, Ezinwa Princewill Amuchie.
In his welcome address, the Obama 2022/2023, HRH, Eze D. O Njoku, Ekwueme the 11, explained that Itu- Aka was inherited from Nguru Uboma, which their progenitor modified and modernized to suit the needs of the modem society, adding that it is not fetish.
He submitted that it is an annual event performed every year in February which gives the people of Nguru the opportunity to show the uniqueness of Nguru, as well as pray for peace, unity, progress and development of the land and to flag off the planting season
According to Uboma, the rationale is to provide rules and guidelines for land clearance and cultivation to minimize conflicts and litigations on land ownership.
In his word, Onuaka Nguru Uboma Ahia-ise, Ano Anyanwu opined that in Chinua Achebe’s ” Things fall apart” two of the recorded incidents were a reflection of Mbaise History, the story of Okonkwo beating his wife after the peace ceremony has been done is an allusion to the Itu Aka ceremony of Nguru .
Ano Anyanwu who described Itu Aka as a symbol of peace which “ties” the people hands from quarrels and fights adding that once Itu Aka ceremony has been observed, all Nguru citizens are forbidden from quarrels, fights, arguments, police and court cases.
Speaking with Journalist the APC Chairman of the area, Sir Tony Awusaku expressed happiness over the ceremony which described as ushering in the planting season in peace
Sir Tony Awusaku who also disclosed how ready and prepared they are to win election having sensitize our people, talk to them, gone house to house tell them why they should shun gossip and face reality because in as much as APC is the ruling party it should be retained because after God is government that is why we live today on the rail, APC doesn’t make noise in as much we have done our job especially in this part of the world we do our job inside homework and am sure we will be Victorious he said.
Lending their voice, Engr. Agulanna and Amuchie noted that cultural heritage is a good thing that should be uphold, according to them they are candidates of PDP house of Reps, by the grace of God PDP as the largest party in the west Africa has a very dominant presence in Aboh Mbaise Ngokpala I will win election by God grace because I have the interest of my people at heart I will ensure manpower development, infrastructural, and quality education if elected.
The highpoint of the event was the demonstration of yam, the role of Uboma in council, ten autonomous Communities which are the Ezes in the Uboma-in-Council and Uboma stool rotates among them.
