It was an atmosphere of joy, celebration, and funfair as eminent personalities, traditional rulers, and captains of industry from Ngwa extraction gathered to celebrate the maiden 2024 Ngwa Day.
Speaking at Abayi Umuocham Primary School in Aba, the Governor, Dr. Alex Otti expressed joy over the event, which is designed to celebrate the rich culture, history, and unity of the Ngwa people.
Governor Otti, while describing the event as historic, applauded the Ngwa people for their strength, resilience, and dedication to progress in building a future that honors the sacrifices of their progenitors.
The Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, while highlighting his administrations commitment to the progress, well-being, and development of the state, disclosed that he is fully committed to ensuring that Ngwa people and all residents of the state are given every opportunity to succeed.
The State Chief Executive noted that his administration is working tirelessly to improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security, while assuring that his government will continue to prioritize the development of Ngwa land and other parts of the state, creating opportunities for the people, especially the youths, to thrive and flourish.
“Ngwa Day is not only a celebration of our past but also a statement of our collective strength as well as an opportunity to honor those who have contributed immensely to the growth of our community, to recognize the sacrifices that have brought us this far, and to envision the future we want to build together.”
“Let us also take this moment to remember our elders, our leaders, and those who have paved the way for us. Their wisdom, their sacrifices, and their dedication have laid the foundation upon which we build today. We owe them our respect and our commitment to continue the work they started.”
“To the youths, You are the future. You are the hope of our communities. It is your energy, your ideas, and your drive that will carry us forward. Embrace the numerous development programs the present administration in Abia has provided for Abia youths. Together, you will lead Ngwa and the state to even greater heights.”
“Let us remember that our unity is our greatest asset. No matter where we are, whether at home or abroad, let us remain united by our common heritage and our shared destiny. “
“Together, we will continue to honor the legacy of the Ngwa people and work towards a brighter future for all.” he said.
In his speech, the Chairman of the occasion and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Elder Chibuike Nwokeukwu, said the event, which is celebrated every 28th of December, provides a platform for Ngwa indigenes to celebrate their rich cultural heritage and achievements, adding that he is proud to be called and identified as an Ngwa man.
In his address, the Keynote Speaker and Executive Director of the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), Prof. Ogbonna Onuoha, commended Ngwa people for their efforts in navigating the balance between preserving their cultural identity and adapting to modernization, and also called on all to view the maiden Ngwa Day Celebration as a clarion call to promote the ingenuity and industry of the Aba Ngwa people, both at home and in the diaspora.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairperson of the Ngwa Day Planning Committee, Mrs. Vivian Irondi, the President of Ngwa Social Club, Prof. Paul Ananaba, the First Deputy Chairman of Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Nelson Nmerengwa, Dr. Chris Nwagboso, among others, disclosed that the day provides an avenue to promote cultural tourism, cement the bond of brotherhood, and emphasize the need to promote unity, peace, and reawaken Ngwa consciousness and the Ngwa renaissance.
Our correspondent reports that the event, which featured discussion sessions, Ngwa cultural beauty pageant, goodwill messages, cultural displays, the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Ovu Ngwa, also attracted the presence of the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Member representing Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, Mayors, traditional rulers, clergy, top government officials, captains of industry among other notable personalities.
