Eziudo ancient town in Ezinihitte local government area of Imo state has successfully hosted the 2026 edition of the Oji Ezinihitte cultural festival, marking the event with expanded programmes and cultural displays.
The annual festival, observed on January 1 across Ezinihitte communities, was held at Central School, Eziudo, with activities spread across several days.
Events commenced with a night praise session at Town School, Eziudo, setting the tone for the cultural celebration that followed.
The festival featured performances by various cultural troupes, including the Ebube Pericoma Izuogu and the Ohafia war dance, drawing large crowds.
A key highlight was the ceremonial reception of the Okwa Oji from Amumara, which formally ushered in the Oji Ezinihitte proper.
Speaking during the event, Bartholomew-Peters Anayo Nwokocha, president general of the Eziudo Central Development Union (ECDU), said the 2026 edition introduced activities not previously seen in the history of the festival.
Nwokocha praised the Ezinihitte Development Association, traditional rulers, the central working committee and residents of Eziudo for their contributions, while calling on the Imo state government to improve access roads to rural communities.
Also speaking, Chidubem Orji, chairman of the central working committee, said the innovations were aimed at elevating the status of Oji Ezinihitte and could be adopted by future host communities.
The event, chaired by I. G. Onumaegbu, attracted dignitaries including former Imo governor Emeka Ihedioha, the member representing Ahiazu/Ezinihitte federal constituency, Emeka Chinedu, actors Kanayo O. Kanayo and Zubby Michael, as well as other public officials.
Organisers said the Eziudo-hosted festival secured endorsement from the federal government through the National Council for Arts and Culture, granting Oji Ezinihitte recognition as a national cultural festival for the first time since its inception in 1954.
