By Rose Oranye
Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, on Sunday, led the state government’s delegation to his hometown, Abatete, Idemmili North Local Government Area, for the celebration of the 2025 Omaliko Festival.
Mefor, along with the Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, Comrade Don Onyenji, and other dignitaries from all walks of life, were well received by the Obi of Nsukwu and Otie Abatete, High Chief Clement Analikwu at his palace, on behalf of the Abatete traditional ruler, Igwe Engr. Emeka Efobi before proceeding to Afọr Nsukwu, where various dances and masquerades were displayed.
In his remarks at the occasion, the Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Entertainment, Comrade Onyenji, described the 2025 Omaliko Festival as the best organised traditional festival witnessed in recent times.
He commended the traditional ruler of the town, ably represented by High Chief Analikwu for the hospitality, cultural exhibitions and peaceful flow of the event, urging other communities to emulate Abatete.
According to him, ” the event is in line with Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s programme and manifesto. I can authoritatively say that Abatete has done very well ahead of some towns.
” Let communities profile their cultural festivals. In the ministry, we are also profiling cultural festivals and masquerades.”
Also speaking, the Information Commissioner, Dr Mefor, said that the government delegation were at the event to establish the fact that the Soludo Government is not against culture and traditional practices, but against criminality and criminal idolatory in the practice, adding that the state will not rest until all evil Ndi dibia and Ezenwanyi, fake pastors and churches are completely rooted out of the state.
“Omaliko is Abatete’s cultural treasure and identity. It used to be a celebration of the deity Omaliko but it has been turned to a very beautiful cultural reunion of our people. You can see that all concerned government officials are here. Ndi Abatete therefore use the Omaliko festival to celebrate their cultural heritage. Both Christians and traditional worshipers participate in it. All ceremonial masquerades are here. Omaliko festival is now a cultural carnival.
“People who want to practice culture and tradition should do so but once they get involved in criminality in the name of traditional worship, government will come for them”, he said.
In their separate remarks, the Mayor of Idemmili North Local Government Area, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Entertainment, Bob-Manuel Udokwu, said they were highly impressed by the turnout and general conduct of the event and lauded the efforts of the organisers and participants.
Earlier, the Otie Abatete, who prayed for long life and prosperity of the people expressed happiness over government’s presence, while assuring of the people’s support for Governor Soludo’s second term bid.
Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Moses Chukwuka and the Ezeani Abatete, Chief George Nwankwo Ikemba, stated that the festival is an annual event that started with their ancestors, adding that it’s done in June to show they have finished planting yam and to pray for blessings and abundant yield.
