Abia State government, under the administration of Dr. Alex Otti, has endorsed the Ekponibro Festival, partnering with the Unubiko Foundation as the major sponsor for the 2025 edition.
The Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Honorable Matthew C. Ekwuribe, announced this news during a press conference in Umuahia recently. Ekwuribe described the Ekponibro Festival as an important cultural celebration that is a vital aspect of Igbo cultural heritage and must be preserved for future generations.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of safeguarding the Ekponibro Festival and other cultural events, stating that the festival, which takes place every April in Atan Abam, Arochukwu Local Government Area, Abia State, serves as a reminder of the traditions and practices passed down through generations. He stressed that the festival, which holds both historical and cultural significance, essentially celebrates excellence, industry, and unity. The Commissioner further emphasized that the Igbo people’s rich cultural heritage should not be allowed to fade away.
Hon. Ekwuribe praised the current administration under His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, for prioritizing cultural preservation alongside other developmental initiatives. He described Dr. Otti as a “round peg in a round hole” and commended his efforts in promoting various aspects of Igbo culture, including cultural festivals.
He noted that this year’s Atan Abam Ekponibro Festival, scheduled for April 29, will serve as an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of the community while fostering a sense of unity and pride.
According to Hon. Ekwuribe, the Ekponibro Festival strengthens communal ties, bringing people together to reflect on values such as excellence, industry, unity, and principles upheld by their ancestors. He pledged his unwavering support for the festival and its preservation.
Earlier, the General Manager of Abia Newspaper and Publishing Corporation, publishers of the National Ambassador Newspaper and Magazine, Hon. Jones Ike, provided a historical overview of the Ekponibro Festival. He explained that the festival is celebrated annually by sea merchants, marking the end of their trading year, typically before the rainy season begins.
“Originally celebrated by the Ibibios, the festival was later adopted by their Igbo neighbors, who incorporated elements of traditional Igbo culture into the celebration. Today, the people of Atan Abam are striving to maintain the festival’s cultural significance in its modern form while also infusing it with elements that reflect contemporary Igbo culture. Over time, the Abam people have modernized and adapted the festival to reflect their own unique way of life while honoring its roots.”
Hon. Ike also highlighted efforts aimed at raising awareness about the forthcoming Ekponibro Festival, scheduled for April 29, 2025, at Atan Abam community, Arochukwu LGA, Abia State. He commended Chief James Chijioke (Jnr), the Ike Abam of Abam Onyerubi, for his keen interest in promoting the culture of his people and, more importantly, for sponsoring the festival through his charity organization, the Unubiko Foundation. Hon. Ike noted that the Ike Abam has consistently sponsored the Ekponibro Festival over the years, thereby attracting significant attention to it. He also commended the state governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, for not only giving strong attention to infrastructural development but also for promoting and preserving Igbo cultural heritage.
He encouraged everyone to attend the festival and participate in the celebrations.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Kalu Olaka Kalu, and Mr. Ben Ogbuzu, a committee member, both expressed their commitment to ensuring the continued success of the Ekponibro Festival. They emphasized that while the festival has roots in a borrowed tradition, it has been modernized to reflect the lifestyle of the Igbo people. They stressed that the festival is non-demonic and encouraged everyone, especially the youth, to engage in meaningful activities as their ancestors did. This year’s festival will also feature awards for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their community.
According to the organizing committee members, the Ekponibro Festival on April 29, 2025, will be more than just a cultural event. It will serve as a symbol of the resilience and vibrancy of the Igbo people. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that the festival continues to be celebrated and preserved not only as a reflection of the past but as a living tradition that will inspire future generations. The community’s dedication to upholding the festival’s significance serves as a testament to the enduring importance of cultural heritage in shaping identity and fostering unity.
In attendance at the press conference were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Barrister Ehiemere Chibuzor; Director of Culture, Mr. Chibuike Ukata; and the Head of the Tourism Department, Lady Godwin Joy Dennis.
