By Chinwe Nwacha, Onitsha
Igwe Gerald Mbamalu, (Ezeoranyelu 1), the traditional ruler of Ojoto community, Idemili South Local Government area, Anambra state, Tuesday celebrated his third Ofala festival and seven years on the throne.
Speaking to the people at the event, Igwe Mbamalu prayed God to protect, bless, and give longevity to them adding that next year will be a better year even as he paid glowing tribute to the Otu Odu (women), society of the community for her rapid infrastructural development of the community.
In his words, Ofala is for peace, unity and progress of Ojoto community. "I laud the Otu Odu women group, the highest women ruling body in the community, for her development of Ojoto community.
"Last year they gave us, the eight villages of Ojoto, 500 solar lights, to light up the community. Yesterday, on the eve of the Ofala they empowerment 16 people, (two from each of the eight villages, people they trained on various skill acquisitions..
"The expectation is that those empowered will by next year become Masters and train more of the sons and daughters of Ojoto who will in turn graduate and train others thereby assisting in human capital development.
"They are trained in various vocations that include, computer education, tailoring, bakery, sewing, weaving, farming, others
The monarch commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his infrastructural development of the state adding that the governor has fulfilled his electioneering campaign pledges and even gone beyond the pledges pointing out that the state is now the safest as we have watertight security in all communities in the state currently.
Speaking, a cabinet member, Chief Amobi Adirika, expressed satisfaction with the Ofala celebration stating that Igwe Mbamalu now has celebrated 3rd Ofala festival and seven years on the throne.
He described Ofala as a period of celebration of the coronation of the monarch and also to thank God for bringing the monarch this far stating that the Ofala is always celebrated in the month of December.
Adirika who lamented that the youths have chosen the part of quick money syndrome and hard drug adiction instead of legitimate business urged them to refrain from such and embrace civility and wisdom for their own good.
In his contribution, High Chief Dozie Kaidi Obiaku, a member of the Ofala Steering Committee described the 3rd Ofala of Ojoto as very successful even as he admitted minor shortfalls which he said have been noted.
According to him, " More people are getting involve in Ojoto Ofala festival because it is where we display our rich cultural heritage".
On youths he advised them to shun hard drug addiction and go back to school to acquire first degree pointing out that education is the key.
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