OKE OVORO 2026: Chief Akagburuonye, Barr. Alaribe, Sir Amuchie Honored as Iri-Ji Mbaise Festival Draws Crowds

OKE OVORO 2026: Chief Akagburuonye, Barr. Alaribe, Sir Amuchie, Egwim, Others, Honored as Iri-Ji Mbaise Festival Draws Crowds

By Ada Ukpabia 

***




ABOH MBAISE, IMO STATE — The 2026 Iri-Ji Mbaise Cultural Festival reached a vibrant and historic crescendo on Saturday at Oke Ovoro Secondary School Playground in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, uniting sons and daughters of Mbaise from across Nigeria and the diaspora to celebrate their shared heritage and strengthen regional bonds.


The colorful celebration brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, community stakeholders, and cultural groups. Among the high-profile dignitaries in attendance were former Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, and the Senator representing Imo East.

The Minister of Arts, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Hayatu Musawa, was notably represented at the event by Mr. Kingsley Ngene Bash.

Expressing his delight as host, the Executive Chairman of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, Barr. Iheukwumere Henry Alaribe, thanked the Mbaise people for coming together in large numbers, noting that hosting the festival at Oke Ovoro showcased local hospitality and reinforced unity among the three local government areas making up Mbaise. Alaribe also expressed deep gratitude to Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, crediting his political support for making his administration's achievements and the successful hosting of the festival possible. In recognition of his leadership, Barr. Alaribe was honored with the Iri-Ji Mbaise Grand Patron Award.


A major highlight of the grand celebration was the presentation of platinum awards to distinguished sons of the area for their profound impact and philanthropic contributions.

Chief Success Akagburuonye received a prestigious platinum award presented by the President General of Ezuruezu Mbaise, Surveyor Joe Anosike, who lauded his sterling leadership and unwavering support for the festival. Responding to the honor, an excited Akagburuonye expressed deep humility and prayed for strength to do more for the people. Highlighting his commitment to human capital development, he pointed to the recent graduation of another batch of 236 Imo State indigenes empowered through skills acquisition, reinforcing his philosophy of teaching people how to fish.

Chief Akagburuonye's humanitarian gestures drew high praise from local leaders, including Aboh Mbaise LGA Chairman Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe and Chief China Amadi.

Adding to the glitz of the honors, Stanley Amuchie also received a platinum award alongside a twenty million Naira cash backing.


The festival featured a rich array of traditional dances, authentic indigenous cuisine, cultural displays, and the ceremonial eating of the new yam, underscoring the deep spiritual and communal values of the Mbaise people.

The successful conclusion of the Oke Ovoro celebration cemented Aboh Mbaise's standing as a gracious host, leaving participants immersed in a renewed spirit of togetherness, cultural pride, and collective progress.


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