Ibeku Ancestral Kingdom on Thursday celebrated their Izo Ahia Festival amidst all kinds of Cultural display.
Ochiagha Oparaukwu Ibeku Prince Benjamin Benedict Apugo who is the Custodian of Ibeku Customs and Tradition expressed excitement at the turn out of events .
He added that Occasion marked the revival of Ibeku culture which existed over 3000 years ago before the advent of colonial masters.
He however pointed out that the age-long tradition was part of Ibeku Ancestral Kingdom tradition that seems to have been forgotten by the modern day Ibeku people, saying that the celebration of Izo Ahia is a vibrant testament to the rich cultural heritage of lbeku.
“As we gather, we honour our ancestors, celebrate our tradition and pass on our values to the next generation”.
“Culture is a people’s way of life and this time we, the Ibeku people have come to a conclusion of reviving all of them”.
“Izo Ahia tradition is where we come together to project our culture”.
Izo Ahia was last celebrated in the year 1972 that is 53 years ago but for only three elders, the rest that celebrated this are all dead.
He said that the remaining three elders who are alive today were able to educate the present generation about the Izo Ahia tradition being Celebrated.
IZO AHIA is usually celebrated any year that it occurs, before Iri Ji lbeku
(New Yam Festival).
“So, the present day elders, since they don’t want the tradition to die, are doing an impartation on the present day Ibeku man”.
This tradition according to Apugo aims at reviving the cultures, re-uniting lbeku sons and daughters wherever they are and bringing it culture back to life.
“welcome our brothers and sisters from far and near that are here today, most especially those from our sister States i.e Akwalbom, Cross River, Rivers, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo State and others who are Ibeku people”.
He maintained that the occasion that was being celebrated every 20 years in the past will now be celebrated every five years to enable continuity from generation to generation.
“Our culture is used to control evils in our communities,he said.
“Also it helps in the proper upbringing of our people mostly the youths”.
“It brings a positive relationship among all I|beku people and other communities”.
“Our culture has a historical background in Nigerian archive”.
“While i live as a custodian and an illustrious Son of Ibeku ancestral kingdom, i stand to promote and support the culture and tradition of my ancestors.
He further urged his Ibeku people to preserve the Culture from going extinct.
“I plead to my brothers and sisters, OUR CULTURE MUST NOT DIE AS WE LIVE ON THIS PLANET EARTH”.
Notable amongst dignitaries in attendance at the event is Abia State Commissioner for Transport,Dr.Chimezie Ukaegbu, Traditional Rulers,Cultural display from all parts of Umuahia North and South And those from Akwa lbom, Cross River, Rivers, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo State.
