Isiala Ngwa North LGA Marks Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day With Cultural Dance Competition
As part of activities marking the nation’s 64th Independence Day, the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North local government area of Abia State, Sir C. Y. Nwankwo organized a Cultural Dance Competition in the popular local government area to showcase their rich cultural heritage.
The ground-breaking cultural fiesta held at Isiala Ngwa North Council Headquarters, Okpuala Ngwa on Tuesday, October I, 2024 in an atmosphere of love, unity and camaraderie.
It commenced with an opening prayer by Sir Raymond Eguzouwa while Comrade Emeka Onyinyechi – a renowned master of ceremonies anchored it with extraordinary panache.
The Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North LGA, though absent was ably represented by the Deputy Mayor, Hon. Sir Uchenna Nwabuko.
In his opening remarks, the Deputy Mayor on behalf of the Mayor, Sir C. Y. Nwankwo highlighted the importance of culture and urged the people to be proud to showcase their rich cultural heritage adding that it is their identity.
He commended the Mayor, Sir C. Y. Nwankwo for using the occasion of the nation’s 64th Independence Day to organize the event and appreciated the people for turning out in their numbers as well as the various dance groups for participating fully in the Cultural Dance Competition.
Thereafter, the various Cultural Dance groups namely Idi n’Otu Di Nma Women’s Group from Umuocham Uratta led by Ezinne Hannah Nwankwo, Oso Di Eje Oku Cultural Dance, Isiala Uratta led by Mrs. Edith Alozie, Obinwanne Cultural Group, Ntigha led by Chikaeze Arungwa, Oji Aka Eri Cultural Group, Amaputa, Isiala Ngwa North led by Eze Aka, Sir Godfirst and His Enyioha Cultural Group from Amapu Ngwa Ukwu, Otiokpo Cultural Instrument, Ihie led by Chimazuru Nwichie, Oro Cultural Dance Group of Ihie led by Kelechi Nwankwo, Egwu Nganga Cultural Dance, Ahiaba Ubi led by Chief Chinedu Sunday (Eze-elect) and Chief Dr. Sir Oga Best International Cultural Dance, Oparaoha Umuoha, Uratta entertained the people briefly before the commencement of the competition.
During the competition each of the nine cultural groups performed for 10 minutes only.
The Idi n’Otu Di Nma Women’s Group set the ball rolling followed by Oro Ndi Ihie Traditional Dance, Sir Godfirst and His Enyioha Cultural Group, Oso Di Eje Oku Cultural Dance, Otiokpo Cultural Dance, Obinwanne Cultural Group, Chief Dr. Sir Oga Best International Cultural Dance Oparaoha Umuoha, Uratta, Oji Aka Eri Cultural Group and Egwu Nganga Cultural Dance popularly known as Owu.
The striking appearance of the Owu Masquerades amid canon-shots and stunning displays added colour to the event.
They entertained the people with exhilarating performances and the atmosphere buzzed with great excitement and nostalgia for culture through dance competition.
One of the highpoints of the Cultural Dance Competition was the presentation of medals to some youths who made Isiala Ngwa North local government area in particular and Abia State in general proud at the 8th National Youth Games held in Asaba, Delta State this year.
Presenting them to the Deputy Mayor, the Sports Secretary/Team Manager, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Mrs. Ogbonnaya Jennifer Ihudiya (a.k.a Who Say Man No Dey) expressed profound gratitude to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) for restoring school sports in the state as well as the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Sir C. Y. Nwankwo for his great encouragement, which she said spurred them to victory.
She disclosed that they took the 8th position in the state but were surprised when three members of their team were chosen to be part of the state contingent to Asaba, Delta State.
She commended them for their outstanding performance in para-athletics 100m race, high jump and football saying that they have done Isiala Ngwa North LGA and Abia State proud and justified their ‘I can and I will’ mantra.
The elated Sports Secretary said that they went to Asaba, saw and conquered stressing that there is no dull moment for them in Isiala Ngwa North LGA as far as sports is concerned.
At the end of her speech, she presented Enyioma Glory, an SS 11 student of St. Catherine’s International Comprehensive Secondary School, Amapu Ntigha who won gold medal in para-athletics 100m race and Kasarachi Chioma Precious, a final year student of the same school who won silver medal in High Jump.
According to Mrs. Ogbonnaya Jennifer Ihudiya, their high jump competition ended in a stalemate and the gold medal was given to her opponent from the host state, Delta on the ground that she was the first to jump that height.
The third person, Emmanuel Nwachukwu who won a gold medal in football was absent.
The Deputy Mayor described their victory as a thing of joy and great pride to Isiala Ngwa North LGA and Abia State at large.
He congratulated them for their outstanding performance as well as the Sports Secretary, Mrs. Ogbonnaya Jennifer Ihudiya for her untiring efforts.
He lauded the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) for restoring sports competition in the state as well as the Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Sir C. Y. Nwankwo for his huge financial support.
At the end of his remarks, he presented the medals to them and urged them to continue to do them, the state and the nation proud in subsequent outings.
He informed them that the Mayor, Sir C. Y. Nwankwo is proud of them and would appreciate them as soon as he comes back.
Finally, he appreciated all the Cultural Dance groups that participated in the Competition before the results were announced starting from the third position to the first.
Obinwanne Cultural Group Ntigha came third. Chief Dr. Sir Oga Best International Cultural Dance Oparaoha Umuoha Uratta, took the second position while Egwu Nganga Cultural Dance (Owu) came first. The treasurer of the local government area presented cash prizes to them.
The programme was well-attended by the principal officers of Isiala Ngwa North LGA and other notable personalities from far and near.
Some of those present were Hon. Sir Chibuzor Amanze, Augustine Nwankwere (Chief Admin. Officer, Office of the Mayor), Betta Nwosu, Happiness Uko, Comrade Azumara Ifeyinwa, Kelvin Enwereuzo, Frank Sunday among others.
The Deputy Mayor, Hon. Sir Uchenna Nwabuko described the Cultural Dance Competition aimed at promoting their cultural heritage as a huge success.
He gave resounding kudos to the Mayor, Sir C. Y. Nwankwo for the Cultural Dance Competition and assured that the next edition would be more elaborate and exuberant.
He urged the people to sustain their faith in God despite the increasing socio-economic hardship across the nation stressing that the situation would get better by the grace of God.
