National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu has congratulated the people of Owerri “Nchi Ise” on the celebration of this year’s Oru Owerre cultural festival, promising to accord the festival a global recognition whenever he is opportuned to pilot the affairs of the state.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Ikenna Onuoha, Ph.D., Anyanwu described the event as a significant tradition that promotes peace, reconciliation and unity among the people.
Anyanwu said, “Oru Owerre cultural festival is a period where brothers, sister, maternal and paternal uncles/sisters settle their differences. It is a period where communal or inter-communal crisis are resolved amicably without anyone bearing grudges.”
He admonished Owerri indigenes to use the period to reflect on the need for good governance, guaranteed security, quality education, social development and respect to custom and tradition of a people.
Anyanwu maintains, “During Oru Owerre festival, the people use the celebration to remember the sojourn of their progenitor, Ekwema from Umuorii Uratta to a place called Ugwu Ekwema where he finally settled, as a result of the quarrel that ensued between him and his brother after the death of their father in years past.”
He urged the people to use the opportunity of the festival to engender peace, unity and development of the entire Owerri ancient city.
He assured of his unrelenting support to such a remarkable festival that continues to preserve the cherished customs and values of the people.
