By Our Correspondent
The Awka Youth Council has issued a firm directive restricting movement and certain activities within Awka community as the 2025 edition of the popular Imoka Festival reaches its climax on Saturday, May 24.
The announcement was made through a press statement and a video released by the Council’s Chairman, Comrade Ikechukwu Philip Ezenwa, also known as Ogwali na Ogwali.
According to the directive, tricycles and motorcycles are banned on the day of the final celebration, aimed at enhancing the safety and cultural integrity of the event.
The Council also warned against the participation of non-indigenes in masquerade displays, emphasizing that only sons of Awka are permitted to perform such sacred cultural roles during the festival.
Additionally, all masquerades scheduled to appear must be properly profiled and documented with government-issued identification to ensure accountability and security throughout the event.
In a bid to prevent excesses, the Youth Council prohibited any form of extortion or forceful collection of money by individuals or masquerades, warning that violators will face stiff penalties.
They also outlawed the wearing of cult-related attires and banned the possession or brandishing of dangerous weapons during the celebrations.
The Awka Youth Council assured that law enforcement agencies have been fully briefed and will be on ground to ensure compliance with the set guidelines.
The Council urged every resident of Awka to adhere to the restrictions in order to preserve the sanctity of the festival and ensure a hitch-free celebration.
The Association of Non-Indigenes Welfare in Anambra State has also released a public announcement informing its members and the general public about the directives.
The Association encouraged all non-indigenes residing in Awka to respect the traditions of their host community by observing the restrictions.
The Imo Awka Festival, a cherished cultural event in Anambra State, boasts a rich history and deep significance for the people of Awka and beyond.
However, the festival has been consistently marred by incidents of violence, loss of life, and safety concerns.
This year, a 17-year-old boy dressed as a masquerade was fatally struck by a tricycle operator and died during pre-festival processions.
