By Tony Okafor, Awka
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Anambra Central Senatorial District, Hon. Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo, popularly known as Onye Ndozi, has called on young people, particularly those of Enugwu-Ukwu extraction, to uphold and preserve the community’s rich cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations.
Nwankwo made the appeal on Thursday after participating in the 2026 Ikpo Ji ritual ceremony held at the historic Obu Umunri Palace in Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Speaking at the event, the APGA senatorial flag bearer expressed delight at the enduring cultural values for which Enugwu-Ukwu is renowned, describing the community as one of the foremost custodians of Igbo tradition and civilisation.
He urged the younger generation to take pride in their identity and remain committed to preserving the customs, traditions and values handed down by their forebears.
Nwankwo stressed that culture remained the identity and pride of every community, urging young people to take responsibility for preserving their rich cultural heritage and passing it on intact to future generations.
He noted that Enugwu-Ukwu had continued to distinguish itself as a community with deep historical and cultural roots, emphasizing the need to ensure that its cherished traditions never faded.
He commended His Royal Majesty, Igwe Sir Ralph Obumneme Ekpeh, Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Igwe Umunri, for providing visionary leadership that has sustained the community’s cultural institutions and promoted unity among the people.
Nwankwo also praised the organisers of the ceremony and the traditional custodians of the Umunri heritage for keeping alive customs that continue to project the rich cultural identity of the Igbo nation.
The APGA candidate noted that cultural festivals not only strengthen communal bonds but also promote tourism, attract investment and create opportunities for socio-economic development.
He pledged his continued support for initiatives aimed at preserving the cultural heritage of communities across Anambra Central Senatorial District.
The Ikpo Ji ceremony is one of the most significant traditional rites in Enugwu-Ukwu, heralding the annual New Yam Festival, popularly known as Olili Onwa Asato.
The ritual signifies the formal commencement of activities leading to the celebration of the new yam season, a festival that occupies a central place in the cultural calendar of the ancient Umunri kingdom.
This year’s ritual was performed by Ozonkpu Sir Macman Benito Ozigbo (Ebubemba Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri), who was duly appointed by His Royal Majesty, Igwe Sir Ralph Obumneme Ekpeh, to carry out the revered traditional responsibility.
The colourful ceremony attracted traditional rulers, title holders, community leaders, political stakeholders and indigenes from within and outside Anambra State, all of whom gathered at the Obu Umunri Palace to witness the historic rite and celebrate the enduring legacy of one of Igboland’s oldest cultural institutions.
