Ekponibro Cultural Festival: A Call to Uphold Tradition and Culture – Governor Otti
Abia State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, emphasized that a society that abandons its traditions and culture is essentially lost. He made this statement on Saturday, April 19, during the 2025 Ekponibro Cultural Festival (Ugbo Nmiri Nma), which took place at Etiti Abam Primary School in Atani Abam, Arochukwu Local Government Area. The festival was sponsored the UNUBIKO Foundation, a non-profit organization in collaboration with the Abia State Government.
While addressing the attendees, Governor Otti remarked, “This highlights the importance of our tradition and culture. Any society that forsakes its traditions is on the path to decay. In the past, societies began to demise once they lost their cultural roots, leading them into bondage and servitude.”
“I am proud that the people of Abam have not forgotten their origins. I also want to extend my gratitude to the UNUBIKO Foundation for their commitment and support. May God replenish your efforts a millionfold,” he added.
The Governor further encouraged the attendees to prioritize agriculture, pointing out its critical importance for sustenance: “I shouldn’t have to convince you about the value of agriculture. If you lack vision, now is the time to cultivate it. The planting season is upon us. This is a gift from God that requires minimal effort.
“You plant a seed in the ground and, when harvest time comes, you reap abundantly. You may sow in sorrow, but you will harvest in joy.”
He urged the community to take farming seriously, stating that true sustenance lies in their fields. “What you refer to as stomach infrastructure can be found on your farms. It’s through your own efforts that God can bless you,” Governor Otti stressed.
Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the Abam people for their support towards contractors involved in projects initiated his administration. “The aim is to connect our communities and empower them,” he explained, noting that a newly constructed road is already in use and will be officially inaugurated soon.
Dr. Matthew Ekwuruibe, the Abia State Commissioner for Culture and Creative Economy, also spoke at the event, thanking the Governor for his attendance. He highlighted that under Governor Otti’s leadership, every sector, including the preservation of cultural heritage, is receiving necessary attention. He expressed his appreciation for Chief James Ume, the Founder of the UNUBIKO Foundation, for sponsoring the cultural festival and looked forward to future partnerships in similar events across the state.
In his remarks, Chief James Ume expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for his presence and the government’s endorsement of the event. He noted that the Ekponibro cultural festival is a legacy inherited from their ancestors, symbolizing their struggles, strengths, victories, and achievements. He also thanked the Governor for his commendable work in Abam and throughout Abia State.
Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, Rector of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, remarked that the 2025 Ekponibro festival, themed “Long May They Reign,” celebrates the challenges and successes of their ancestors in the sea trade of agricultural products such as cocoa, palm oil, and kernels. He pointed out that these merchants faced numerous obstacles, including adverse weather, fallen trees blocking their paths, unwelcoming communities, criminals, and wildlife. Upon their return, they would gather to celebrate with their families, giving thanks to the Supreme Being for their safe passage.
The event, chaired Mazi Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji (Ugwu Aro), drew prominent figures from various sectors, including political leaders and business executives. Notable attendees included the former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (represented), the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, and several other dignitaries.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State
April 19, 2025
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