Onwa – Isato cultural festival 2025, hosted by Eze Okwuani Ubulu Azu Ogbunike (Ogbuefi Nweke Igboanugo Ezekuvalu) and ably Sponsored by Dr. Chuma Odili Harris Udokamma (Ogene Ogbunike).
The foremost indigenous cultural festival of Ogbunike also known as Onwa-Isato festival which marks the beginning of farming season have been widely described as a fine cologne whose aura defines the beauty of the rich cultural heritage of Azu Ogbunike community and Ndi Ogbunike at large.
This was contained in an exclusive interview with a renowned Igbo socio-cultural promoter/philanthropist and the foremost candidate for the throne of Ogbunike, Ogbuefi Dr. Chuma Odili Harris Udokamma (Ogene Ogbunike) at Ilo Umuru Azu Ogbunike.
According to Ogbuefi Ogene Ogbunike, “Onwa Isato festival is one of the most populous cultural celebration in Ogbunike when Ndi Azu and the entirety of Ogbunike always come together in celebration to thank the almighty and the god of productivity on the bountiful harvest of the preceding year and equally supplicate for another bountiful harvest as they embark on another farming season of the year”.
Ogbuefi Dr. Chuma Odili who is a foremost Igbo socio-cultural promoter within and beyond the purview of the south east, emphasized the significance and highlights of the epoch making event which according to him, also promote peace, oneness, love for one another and above all, sell the rich cultural heritage of Ndi Ogbunike beyond the annals of our geography as a country.
In a seperate speech, Ogbuefi Dr. Harris Chuma Odili also appreciated the ebullient leadership of the government of Azu Ogbunike village union for their unwavering support towards promoting peace and investing in the collective rich cultural heritage of not just ndi Azu but Ogbunike in general, adding that their commitment yielded a positive and colorful event, stating that since the origin of Onwa Isato festival, 2025 was the most colorful, drawing visitors, friends and well
Wishers from far and wide to commemorate the pride and rich cultural heritage of Azu Ogbunike.
Highlight of the celebration was the performances of Ijele masquerade, Ufie, cultural dance group, and highlife music band.
In recognition of his unwavering commitment and patriotism in promoting the rich cultural heritage of Ogbunike and his philanthropic gestures, Ogbuefi Dr. Chuma Odili was honored with an award for culture and philanthropy by Azu Ogbunike youth leadership. Receiving the award, Dr. Chuma promised to build a lounge and dedicate it to the youths of Azu Ogbunike as an appreciation for the kind gesture.
Ogbuefi Obidi Onyezia, the chairman of Azu Ogbunike community (Omenuko aku) in a separate interview with Newsmen, advised the indigenous people of Azu ogbunike to shun any act which will be inimical to the image of Azu Ogbunike, stressing the need for a crime free society where everyone is free to walk and contribute meaningfully to the progress of the community. He also prayed and wished Azu Ogbunike a bountiful harvest year.
In addition, Chief Engr. Micheal Okechukwu Obiekwe (Mmilioma Ogbunike ) described Onwa Isato festival as one of the biggest festival in the land of Ogbunike community, stressing that it is a festival the people of Azu Ogbunike appreciates the almighty and god of productivity for a bountiful harvest and pray for a successful farming season.
Engr Obiekwe also appreciated Ogbuefi Dr. Chuma Odili Harris Udokamma (Ogene Ogbunike) for his sacrifice and efforts in projecting the ever rich cultural heritage of Azu and Ogbunike in general, stating that the gods of Azu land will reward him in a thousand fold. He solicited for a decent and unquestionable character among the youths of Azu Ogbunike and admonished them to be good ambassadors of the blessed community.
Mr. Chinedu Odikpo, the Youth financial secretary of Azu community Ogbunike, extended his appreciation to Dr chuma Odili Harris Udokamma Ogene Ogbunike and all the dignitaries who attended this year’s Onwa-Isato celebration such as Ndi Ezeani/Akajiofor,Ndichie/Ogbuefi, Ndi Nze na Ozo, the youths, Umuada and all the different masquerades that performed at Ilo Umuru Azu ogbunike adding that Onwa Isato festival is a cultural inheritance from their forebears.
Chief Priest of Ogba Chinwendu Amaechi, Eze Ogba when expressing his gratitude, stated that Onwa Isato is a festival of joy and happiness , appreciating Dr. Chuma Odili Harris Udokamma (Ogene Ogbunike) for his efforts, support and doggedness in promoting the culture of Ndi Ogbunike.
In his prayers, Ezeogba prayed for a successful planting season and peace in the land of Ogbunike.
By Nnaemeka Onyinye/Clip Drogba
