Imo Commissioner for Tourism attends Amiri General Cultural Festival

… Thanks Oru Nation for blessing the state  Gov Uzodimma

By Fredrick Njoku

The Amiri Autonomous Community in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State came alive on Saturday, July 26, 2025, as it hosted the 2025 edition of the Owu Amiri General Cultural Festival at the premesis of Central School, Amiri, with the theme: “The Relevance of Cultural Ethnicity in Amiri Community.”

The festival  attracted prominent sons and daughters of the community, including key government officials, traditional rulers  and other stakeholders.

Leading the state delegation was Hon. Jerry Egemba, Imo State Commissioner for Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, who graced the occasion as part of the government’s on-going commitment to promoting and preserving the state’s cultural heritage.

The Commissioner was accompanied by senior officials of the Ministry.

The event was chaired by Hon. High Chief Felix Ekene Onuba, whose presence brought added prestige to the festival.

The Royal Father of the day  was, His Royal Highness, Eze Cyril Uzoukwu, Eze Mbu 1 of Mbubu Amiri autonomous community, In his address, the Commissioner lauded the Amiri people for organizing what he described as a “spectacular occasion.” He particularly, thanked the chairman of the event, Chief Felix Ekene Onuba, for facilitating his attendance, and commended Eze Cyril Uzoukwu,for his contributions to the preservation of Amiri’s tradition and customs.

“Let me begin by appreciating the Chairman of this occasion, Chief Felix Ekene Onuba, fondly known as Ottotto Nwa Amiri (Hugo Upon Boss), Aku Nwata, and Odenigbo of Oru Nation. I sincerely thank him for his efforts in ensuring that I am present at this important event.

“Chief Onuba has spoken highly of His Royal Highness, Eze Cyril Uzoukwu, the Eze Mbu 1 of Mbubu Amiri autonomous community, He commended your unwavering commitment to preserving the traditions and cultural heritage of your people and prayed for long life to you, and I am Honoured to witness this dedication firsthand.

“While, I join the Chairman in praying to Almighty God for the continuous uplifting of His Royal Highness. It’s also my earnest prayer that the Almighty protects the Royal Fathers who contributed significantly to the success of this occasion.

“I would also like to acknowledge the presence of distinguished dignitaries here today. With me to this occasion is the key members of my Ministry including, the Director of Culture, Lady Beatrice Obiangeli Amaefu, and the Director of Creative Arts Department. Also present was  Chief Charles Orie,represented by his brother, Hon. Emma Orie.

“In addition, I wish to recognize a distinguished daughter of the Oru nation, Hon. Group Captain Patricia Okibedi, former SA to the governor on Pension and Allied Matters, for her remarkable and consistent support to her people. Let me also use this opportunity to appreciate the various traditional groups present here. Rest assured, the significance of what has happened here today will not go unnoticed by the world.

“Let me most importantly recognize and thank my boss, and leader, the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Dr. Hope Uzodimma, CON, for the enablement to be part of this celebration. His Excellency had every intention to be present, but for his tight schedule — with numerous invitations coming from Amiri, Enugu, Owerri, Abuja, Lagos, and the entire country — made it difficult.

“Indeed, His Excellency is a true son of Oru, a national asset, and a man of wisdom. His visibility and involvement in national affairs are evident; rarely is there an occasion where his presence is not felt. As the Chairman of the Nigerian APC Governors’ Forum, elected by his peers in the APC, and Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, he stands as a beacon of leadership. The Igbos and the entire people of Imo State proudly lay claim to him. I thank the Oru Nation for giving Imo State — and indeed Nigeria — such a great leader. May Almighty God bless all of you abundantly.”

The event also had in attendance; High Chief Izuchukwu Akaegbuchionwa – Onowu the Ugonabo 1 of Amiri Owu, (Patron), Nze Herbert Obioha, Chairman Owu Committee, Omezirinwune 1 of Amiri, Comrade C.Y. Asikogu, Hon. Chief Odyssey Obioha, Mmagha Amiri, former President-general of Amiri clan.

The Owu Amiri General Cultural Festival 2025 successfully celebrated the unique heritage of the Amiri people, fostering unity among indigenes and guests alike. The event reinforced the importance of cultural identity in driving sustainable community development.