The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), South-East zone, in collaboration with Umuahia South Local Government Area, has unveiled the 2025 Umuahia South Cultural Festival.
The festival which is the first of its kind, will be showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the people of Umuahia South.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at the Umuahia South Council Headquarters, the Mayor of the Council area, Hon Chinedu Enwereuzo, said the essence of the cultural festival is to showcase the culture of the people.
According to Enwereuzo, culture is the totality of a people’s way of life, which he said defines who they are. He added that it is important for communities to preserve their culture so it does not become extinct and deprive future generations of their heritage.
The Council boss who was flanked by his deputy, Chief Enyinnaya Nwosu, Ambassador Onyekachi Atuloma Loveday, HRM Eze Boniface Onyemachi, among other officials of the Council, stated that the event would be thought provoking, as it would be loaded with a lot of activities.
Engr Enwereuzo equally revealed that the essence of the epoch making event, is to bring the people of Umuahia South together, stressing that as the yuletide season is fast approaching, the Council through its various partners including the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria South-East zone, deemed it necessary to come up with the event to remind and teach the people the sacredness of the igbo culture, particularly that of Umuahia South.
He explained, “The reason we decided to organize this event is to ensure that when people return home, they have a place and an activity they can engage in. Something that will create lasting memories for them. With the kind of program we’ve put together, participants will not only take part in the events but also look forward to coming back again next year. One of the main goals is to unite the people of Umuahia South”.
He added, “Through this event, we aim to remind our people that we have a rich tradition. Over the years, certain cultural practices that once defined us have been neglected due to civilization and other influences. With what we’re doing now, our people will have the opportunity to learn and reconnect with their traditions, to understand what our ancestors were known for. Going forward, you will see them embracing and practicing these traditions once again.”
The Mayor revealed that going forward, the event would be held December every year to preserve the cultural heritage of the people, as well as, ensure that the culture of the people is passed on from generation to generation.
He stated, “This event is designed to be a recurring one that will take place every year. Interestingly, we’ve been able to engage people across different age groups, that’s why you can see the leader of the Umuahia South Traditional Council present here. We’ve also reached out to various groups, community leaders, and ensured that the two days chosen for the program are dedicated entirely to the council. By the special grace of God, the event will be a great success”.
Engr. Enwereuzo further explained that the purchase of raffle tickets is open to everyone, not just indigenes of Umuahia South, encouraging all to take part for a chance to win exciting prizes, including a Hyundai Sonata car and several cash rewards.
He assured that the event’s Planning Committee, led by his deputy, Chief Enyinnaya Nwosu, would maintain a high level of transparency and fairness throughout the process. He added that the selection of the first, second, and third-place winners will be conducted openly, in the full view of the public.
On his part, Chief Enyinnaya Nwosu, the Chairman, 2025 Umuahia South Cultural Festival and Deputy Mayor, Umuahia South, assured of a hitch-free event, maintaining that the Mayor of the Council, has consistently briefed the committee on what is expected of them.
“The Council Mayor has provided us with everything we need to succeed in this mission. And we have traversed the whole communities. We’re working in collaboration with the Traditional rulers, President Generals, the women wing, and the youths to ensure that this event becomes a success.
He added, “We’re involving everyone both the market men and women, and even people on the streets. We’re leaving no stone unturned to ensure the success of this event. Everything the mayor does is transparent, and he has strongly instructed us to uphold that same standard. We’re fully committed to following his directive to guarantee complete transparency. As he rightly explained, the process we’ve adopted for the raffle draw is foolproof.
“There’s absolutely no way anyone can manipulate the outcome, as the draw will take place in the presence of everyone. All will witness the fairness of the entire process,” he concluded.
Contributing, the Chairman, Umuahia South Traditional rulers Council, HRM Eze Boniface Onyemachi, lauded the organisers of the event for coming up with such initiative aimed out re-awakening the culture of the people.
He pledged the support of Ndi Eze Umuahia South at ensuring that the event is successful, expressing optimism that the lessons that would be learnt from the event would be massive.
Providing more details on what will make the event truly exciting, Vice President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), South-East Zone, Ambassador Onyekachi Atuloma Loveday, explained that the program will serve as a comprehensive showcase of the rich culture of the people of Umuahia South.
According to her, “This will be a remarkable celebration, not just a one-time event, but an annual festival and carnival. For the first time in the history of Umuahia South Local Government, we are coming together to celebrate our people, our culture, our identity, and the traditions that define who we are”.
“I believe that this event is going to have a whole lot of positivity in our people. Come out as long as you are from Umuahia South.”
Speaking on the dress code, she said everyone must dress in the outfit of Umuahia South. “We have our way of dressing. There will be no canopies. We are bringing all those things back to life.”
She called on Abians to come and witness the groundbreaking ceremony that will happen live in Apumiri Ubakala, Umuahia South on the 28th and 29th of December 2025.
