The Ndi Nze-na-Ozo society in Ifite-Ezinifite, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, has successfully initiated over 400 new members.
The ceremony, which took place on Friday, October 25, 2024, was followed by the “Izu Ahia Ozo” celebration on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Ultra Modern Eke Market Plaza.
According to Emeka Umeagbalasi, founder of the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, the initiation ceremony was a significant event that showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people.
The new intakes, comprising members from Enuama and Uhuana Villages in Ifite-Ezinifite, underwent a Christianized Ozo initiation ceremony, divided into “Ozo Ogbei” and “Ozo Nwa” categories.
The event was attended by illustrious sons and daughters of Ezinifite, as well as friends and well-wishers from near and far.
The “Umuada” (women’s group) also played a significant role in the celebration, defying heavy rainfall and insecurity to visit the households of the new intakes with traditional songs.
Umeagbalasi congratulated the new intakes, urging them to uphold the nobility and dignity attached to their newly acquired red caps and symbols.
He also commended the Ndi Nze-na-Ozo society for preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people.
The initiation ceremony is a significant milestone in the lives of the new intakes, marking their entry into the esteemed Ndi Nze-na-Ozo society.
The society’s traditions and customs have been passed down through generations, with the “Uhie Dance” being one of the most prestigious and sacred in Igbo Land.
Umeagbalasi, who himself, is a member of the prestigious society said,
“Reminded is the fact that the surviving Nze-na-Ozo Title Holders in Ezinifite are those of 1945, 1950s, 1967, 1972, 1982, 1992, 2005, 2016 and the latest intakes: 2024.
“Reminded also is the fact that once a potentially qualified person misses any Ozo taking year, he must wait for next ten or eight years during next “Onwa/Afo Ozo”. This is despite the person’s academic status or affluence or lifetime achievements.
“Children of those bearing Nze-na-Ozo Titles are allowed initiation under “Ozo Nwa” while the grownups without traces of Nze-na-Ozo Titles in their lineages, but qualified; are allowed initiation under “Ozo Ogbei”.
He added,”Under “Ozo Nwa”, genetically and non-genetically born male children as well as others born outside married or wedded joint parenthood; with traces of parenthood linked “within”, are allowed initiation.
“Based on doctrinal consent given to “Ichi Ozo” in Old Aguata Region by Catholic and Anglican Bishops and their Dioceses in 1989, with certain modifications and constitutionalization, the “Ichi Ozo” in our respected Old Aguata Region is now Christianised and widely accepted.
“It therefore gladdens my heart to have witnessed and participated in the October 2024 edition of the great event, also witnessed by Illustrious sons and daughters of Ezinifite and friends and well wishes from near and near.
“The “Umuada” were not left out as they defied heavy down pour of the same Friday night amidst raging insecurity and other unsafe conditions across the State to visit the households of most of the new intakes with colorful songs of: “Olololo loooh, Olololo loooh, Umeagbalasi chirinu Ozo, onwere onye amaghi onye Obu?”; after which the new intake roars and sounds his Four Traditional Ozo Taking Names-with four market days symbolised sounds of” weeeeh weeeeh, weeh weeh, aha Ozo mu bu, Umeziokwu Wele onodu, asi ewele oche azu ooh”.
“I hereby congratulate all the new intakes and urge them not to desecrate the nobility attached to their newly given red caps and allied symbols.”
