NWABEKE, OKENESI, ANYANWU, OTHERS GRACE 2026 MGBALA OWU-OKOROSHI FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY
By Uwakwe Bede Ifechukwu
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
The 2026 Mgbala Owu-Okoroshi Cultural Festival commenced in grand style with the colourful outing of the revered Wa Okpa Uta (Otakpukpu) masquerade, attracting thousands of cultural enthusiasts, traditional leaders, political figures and visitors from across Imo State and beyond.
The annual cultural celebration, which officially began on Thursday, June 26, 2026 (Eke Market Day), reached its climax on Saturday, June 27, 2026 (Afor Market Day) with the spectacular performance of the famous Wa Okpa Uta masquerade, one of the most respected ancestral masquerades in Agwa cultural heritage.
The 2026 edition of the festival was solely sponsored by Mr. Theddeaus Chibuzor Odunze (Nwa Father), whose support ensured the successful organisation of the opening ceremony and related cultural activities.
The event drew an impressive array of dignitaries and prominent personalities from Agwa, Oguta and beyond, underscoring the growing significance of the Owu-Okoroshi Festival. Among those in attendance were Hon. Goddey Nwabeke, ADC candidate for the Oguta State Constituency in the 2027 general election; Hon. Williams Chinedu Okenesi (Omemma), Supervisory Councillor on Education, Oguta Local Government Area; Mr. Noble Odinaka Anyanwu, Chief Executive Officer of Resident Kitchen & Bar Restaurant (Chop First); Hon. Emmanuel Chidiebere Mbachu (BB), former Community Liaison Officer (CLO) of Owaorie Ward, Agwa; Mr. Chijioke Anozie; Sir Richie, Chief Executive Officer of SR Luxury Hotel and Suites; alongside respected community leaders, traditional title holders, business executives, youth leaders, women, cultural enthusiasts, and sons and daughters of Agwa from within Imo State and across Nigeria.
Activities commenced around 4:00 p.m. with a colourful procession to the country home of Hon. Goddey Nwabeke at Umuojere, Mgbala. During the courtesy visit, participants reflected on the importance of sustaining peace, unity and cooperation as the foundation for preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Agwa people.
The procession later moved to the central celebration arena at Ochigbudu Village, Umuesoegbelu, where traditional drummers, cultural dance groups, disc jockeys and entertainers welcomed the mammoth crowd amidst an atmosphere filled with excitement and cultural pride.
Speaking shortly after the presentation of kola nuts to the Eze Owu by the chief sponsor, Mr. Osita Odunze, the Eze Owu of Mgbala, expressed appreciation to the people of Mgbala, Agwa and all visitors for honouring the invitation despite their busy schedules.
He particularly commended the chief sponsor for demonstrating uncommon commitment towards preserving an age-long cultural institution handed down by generations of Agwa forebears.
"I want to appreciate everyone here for coming to this year's Owu Festival. It is our identity and our cultural heritage, and we shall continue to celebrate it to the fullest. To Nwa Father, who has shouldered all the expenses of this event, Chukwu Okike Abiama will bless you abundantly for helping to preserve this great culture."
His remarks were greeted with loud applause, reflecting the increasing acceptance and renewed enthusiasm surrounding the Owu-Okoroshi Festival in Mgbala and across Agwa Clan.
Addressing the gathering, the Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Goddey Nwabeke, described the festival as a remarkable expression of unity, hospitality and cultural identity.
"My good people of Mgbala, I want to begin by thanking you for organising this beautiful occasion. I appreciate the sponsor, my good friend and brother, Theddeaus Chibuzor Odunze, the Eze Owu and his council, my friends who accompanied me from Oguta and Owerri, and everyone who has gathered here today to celebrate with the people of Mgbala, Agwa and Oguta at large."
Reflecting on his personal experience, Nwabeke admitted that his physical participation had given him a deeper understanding of the festival.
"Honestly speaking, I have learnt new things about this festival. I had always observed it from a distance, but being here has helped me appreciate the level of genuine love, unity, hospitality and cultural identity that accompany the Owu Festival."
He called on Agwa people to continue promoting the festival as a platform for peacebuilding, economic growth and tourism development.
"I therefore call on all Agwa people to continue celebrating this festival in ways that promote peace, development, unity and economic prosperity. It has enormous tourism and entertainment potential if properly harnessed."
Speaking briefly on his political aspiration, the ADC House of Assembly candidate said his decision to contest the 2027 election was born out of genuine concern for the development of Oguta Constituency.
"As many of you may have seen on my campaign billboards, I am contesting to represent Oguta State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This decision was not taken out of impulse but after careful reflection on the socio-economic, socio-political and socio-cultural realities confronting our constituency."
While noting that the event was not a political campaign, he appealed for support from the people.
"Today is not a campaign day, but I humbly ask for your support in achieving our collective aspirations. If elected, by this time next year this Owu Festival will enjoy full government recognition and representation. I will work diligently for Oguta, and you will never regret supporting me."
In his remarks, the chief sponsor, Mr. Theddeaus Chibuzor Odunze, thanked the people of Mgbala, traditional rulers, community leaders and invited guests for contributing to the success of the festival.
He specially acknowledged the traditional ruler of Mgbala Autonomous Community, HRH Eze (Sir) Blaise Ubah, the Oluoha II of Mgbala, the President-General of Agwa Central Union (ACU), Mr. Nduka Ozor, Chief Ekperechi the eldest man of Okwudor, Eze Owu, elders and community leaders for sustaining the cultural institution over the years.
"I want to thank all our friends who came from Owerri and different parts of Nigeria, especially Hon. Goddey Nwabeke, for honouring our invitation."
Describing the Owu masquerade institution as a peaceful cultural heritage rather than a religious activity, Odunze urged Agwa people to continue preserving their ancestral traditions.
"The Owu Cultural Masquerade Festival is our heritage and it has come to stay. We are not harming anyone; we are preserving the culture handed down to us by our forefathers. People should not be misled into believing that participation in cultural festivals is evil. Every society celebrates its culture according to its traditions."
The sponsor also appealed to the people to support Hon. Goddey Nwabeke's aspiration to represent Oguta State Constituency.
"Hon. Goddey is a good and listening leader. Supporting him will enable him to bring development to Agwa and Oguta, address insecurity and attract meaningful government presence to our communities."
He further lamented what he described as the neglect of Agwa despite its strategic contribution to Nigeria's oil economy.
"It is unfortunate that communities like Agwa, which contribute significantly to Nigeria's oil production, still lack many basic development projects. We must support leaders who are committed to changing this narrative."
Odunze concluded by encouraging voters to protect the integrity of their votes during future elections.
"This coming election requires vigilance. We must not only vote but also ensure that every vote counts by following the process through to the final collation."
The cultural highlight of the day was the majestic appearance of the Wa Okpa Uta (Otakpukpu) masquerade, which began its sacred procession from Okwudor before arriving at the central arena at Ochigbudu Village. There, the revered masquerade performed the traditional Nkwa Owu Dance, thrilling thousands of spectators who applauded its graceful movements, symbolic rituals and colourful display.
Throughout the celebration, different age groups entertained guests with traditional songs, drumming, cultural chants and dances celebrating the history, resilience and identity of the Agwa people.
The Owu-Okoroshi Festival remains one of the oldest and most cherished cultural festivals in Agwa Clan. Celebrated annually between June and early August, the festival serves as a symbol of ancestral remembrance, communal unity, peaceful coexistence, youth participation, cultural education and the promotion of indigenous tourism. Beyond entertainment, it continues to reinforce the values of identity, solidarity and cultural preservation for future generations.
