The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has commended the people of Abam Onyerubi (Atita Apko) in Arochukwu Local Government Area for their steadfast commitment to preserving their rich cultural heritage and communal identity.
Governor Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Creative Economy, Chief Matthew Ekwuribe, gave the commendation during the 2025 Annual Iri-Ji Oha Abam Festival held at Abam High School, Ozu Abam.
Speaking at the event, the Governor described culture as the foundation of a people’s identity, stressing that “a people without culture are a people without identity.” He urged the Abam community to continue upholding their traditional values while disclosing that the state government is making concerted efforts to revamp heritage and tourism sites across Abia State, including those in Abam Onyerubi.
In his remarks, the Prof. Kenneth Kalu, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), highlighted some of the state government’s key infrastructural interventions in Abam, such as the reconstruction of the Omenuko Bridge, the Abam Ring Road, and the Ozu Abam–Ndi Okereke Arochukwu Road. He appealed for sustained peace and unity to enable development to thrive.
Other dignitaries who graced the occasion included Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa, Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency; Hon. Uchenna Okoro, Member representing Arochukwu State Constituency; Chief David Onuoha, Labour Party chieftain; and Chief Acho Obioma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters. They all lauded the Abam people for their unity and reaffirmed the Otti administration’s commitment to grassroots development.
Also speaking, Chief Jones Nnanna Ike, General Manager of the Abia Newspaper and Publishing Corporation, and Chief Jessica Ugbor Kalu, Chairman of the planning committee, described the Iri-Ji Oha Abam Festival as a unifying celebration that showcases the community’s strength, progress, and cultural pride.
In a vote of thanks, Dr. John Egbuta, former President-General of the Abam Development Union, expressed deep gratitude to Governor Otti for his continuous support and developmental focus on Abam communities.
The colourful ceremony featured the traditional cutting of the new yam, cultural dances, masquerade displays, and other artistic performances. It attracted traditional rulers, top government functionaries, community leaders, and guests from across Abam and beyond.
