Uga Community Emerges Winner in Anambra Day Cultural competition

… As prominent Anambra state chieftains, leaders, others hail the cultural fiesta

Paschal Emeka, Abuja | Posted November 15, 2023

The Abuja chapter of Uga Improvement Union (UIU) won emerged overall winner in the fiesta and cultural competition in 2023 Anambra Day Celebration held in Abuja, last weekend.

Even as the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District of Anambra state, Senator Ifeanyi Uba and a House of Representatives member representing AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly, Hon Chinedu Obika amongst others hailed the celebration.

While the criteria for the winning were based on early payment of dues, uniform, punctuality, cultural performance, among others, the second and third positions went to Enugwu – Agidi Brotherly Union and Nteje Development Union respectively.

Although many others won different prizes, ranging from sewing machines, deep freezer, gas cooker, bags of rice, among others, but the executive officer of the association from Achina Town Union, Chuks Anozie won star prize of a plot of land in ASTPA Estate in Nando, Anambra state.

Abuja chapter of Anambra State Towns (Peoples) Association (ASTPA) organises Anambra Day every two years and the theme for this year, 2023, is ‘Maka Ndozi Anambra’, literally meaning: Repackaging Anambra.

Speaking shortly at the event, the Local Organizing Committe of the association and the Chairman, Publicity Committee of the event, Amaechi Ezeokoye and Remigius Ezenwa similarly thanked God for the success of the event and urged town unions that were yet to join the association not to hesitate to do so, due to its benefits.

While Senator Ifeanyi Ubah saw the event as a testament to the state’s commitment to preserving its culture, promoting unity and diversity, bringing community members together to honour their roots and showcase their talents.

Hon Chinedu Obika described the event as an epitome of unity with fresh resolve to put the people first in their dealings and quality of lives. He added that showcasing their culture would go a long way in ensuring harmonious existence and friendship amongst various town unions.

Meanwhile, the member representing Aguata Federal Constituency, Anambra State, Hon Dom Okafor noted that Anambra was blessed with exceptional human capital, rich history, abundant natural resources, produced extraordinary individuals who have excelled in various fields of endeavours.

Calling for prioritisation of provision of infrastructure, ease of doing business in Anambra state, investing in sustainable energy solutions and harnessing the state’s agriculture potentials to reduce poverty and stimulate economic growth, he urged them to remember that their strength lies in their unity, even as he added that they should rise above ethnic, religious and political differences and work collectively towards the common goal of a better Anambra state.

Advising Anambra people in the FCT to remain united and always think home, the President General (PG) of the ASTPA, Chief Arinze Anadu said that they used the event to among other things, to promote unity, love, development, business opportunities, even bring about marriages.

Chief Anadu informed that they used the themes at each year’s event to send positive messages to the indigenes of Anambra state.

Some of the messages according to him were: Aku Ruo Uno, literally meaning, When Wealth Gets to Home; Taa Bu Gboo, meaning, Today Is Still Early to Start; Igwe Bu Ike, meaning, There Is Strrength in Unity, adding that the for this 2023 celebration is, Maka Ndozi Anambra, literally meaning, Repackaging Anambra, even as he appealed to everyone to join Anambra state Governor, Dr. Chukwuma Soludo, towards developing the state.

Earlier in his welcome remark, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Simon Okeke said: “Anambra is known to be The Light of the Nation and we should live up to that name.

“Let us continue to be ideal men and women of the progressives. We should live up to our name by virtue of the way we compose ourselves both publicly and privately. I am directing this specifically to our Ariambra youths. Our people become known to conquer most physical, natural and man-made obstacles on their way to business pursuits. Our legendary swift moves to succeed where others have failed by the side should be something to be thankful to our God.

“But this should be without being arrogant and too loud. Some of our youths are known to be too loud in their victory over all odds of their business pursuits. Our being loud and arrogant attracts the envy and disgust of our neighbours and host communities. Such trends are alien to the core values of Ndigbo. Let it be known that being our brothers’ keepers is one of the core tenets of Onye Igbo.”