The people of Azumini Ancient Kingdom in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State came out in large numbers to celebrate their yearly Ikoro Festival. The community was filled with joy as men, women, and children dressed in beautiful and colorful traditional clothes for the special occasion.
The festival displayed the rich culture and traditions of the people through cultural dances and line performances. People from different walks of life joined the celebrations. The colorful displays and joyful atmosphere showed the strong cultural heritage of the Azumini community.
Speaking with our correspondent, the Chairman of the Azumini Interim Administration, High Chief Ogbo Ubani, appreciated the people of Azumini for coming out in large numbers at Amaobu Playground to celebrate this year’s Ikoro Festival. He said that Azumini people have always loved and respected their traditions, especially the Ikoro Festival. He noted that despite the challenges facing the community, the people still gathered to dance and celebrate their culture.
Also speaking, Soye Edwin Waboso, an indigene of Azumini from Uhu Okoroma, attended the Ikoro Festival for the first time since she was born. She shared her experience with our correspondent and described the festival as very beautiful and colorful. She said it was exciting to see both old and young people men, women, boys, and girls moving around happily. According to her, everyone forgot their worries and focused on laughter, play, and dancing to the rhythm of the drums. She said the experience was memorable and would remain in her heart.
Furthermore, Elder Azubuike Nwankwo, the President of the Azumini Welfare Association, thanked everyone who attended this year’s festival despite the challenges facing the community. He also thanked God for protecting the Azumini people and appreciated the community members for standing together during difficult times.
The 2026 Ikoro Azumini Festival was organized by the Azumini Interim Administrative Council and the Azumini Welfare Association. The celebration began with Ikoro Uju on 24th February 2026, which served as the opening ceremony. This was followed by Ihu Ikoro on the 25th, 27th, and 28th of February 2026, when the main performances and celebrations took place.
Ikoro Azumini is a special cultural event where the people gather to thank God for a good harvest from the past farming season. During the festival, they also pray for a better harvest in the coming farming season.
Azumini Ancient Kingdom, also known as the Blue River City, is an island community with ancestral ties to the Ijaw people of Ndoki. The community is believed to be over 200 years old. The people are known to be friendly, welcoming, and proud of their culture. They value their language, traditional foods, and especially their popular ukazi soup.
Over the years, the Ikoro Azumini Festival has grown into a colorful event that attracts both local and international visitors. Traditionally, the Ikoro dance was performed only by nobles and cultural initiates. It is similar to the Surugede dance, which is known as the dance of the spirit.
One of the highlights of the festival is the rich traditional dressing. The men wear fine outfits with bowler hats and walking sticks, while the women dress in beautiful George wrappers and beads. They move with pride and dignity as they take part in the celebrations.
Azumini is deeply rich in culture, and the people have carefully preserved their traditions over the years, even as some modern changes have been introduced.
