By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Abuja
The Moshood Abiola International Stadium in Abuja was abuzz with excitement as the Anambra State Community Associations, under the umbrella of Anambra State Town’s People Association (ASTPA), organized a vibrant biennial cultural carnival. The event, themed “Onulu Ube Nwanne Agbanaoso” (Don’t Hesitate to Rescue Your Brother at the Time of Difficulty), showcased the rich cultural diversity of Anambra State and promoted unity among its people.
The Anambra Day celebration featured a vibrant display of cultural rekindling, including music, dances, masquerades, songs, and native dishes. The event showcased Anambra State’s rich cultural diversity, demonstrating its potential as a hub for cultural tourism and development. The theme’s emphasis on mutual support and cooperation was reflected in the members’ collaborative spirit.
The celebration featured a vibrant display of cultural dances, masquerades, music, and traditional attire, highlighting the state’s rich cultural diversity. The event emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among the people of Anambra State, with the theme “Onulu Ube Nwanne Agbanaoso” serving as a reminder of the values that bind them.
According to ESV Okoye Benjamin and Engr Charles Ekwuagana, the Ivemelumma na Nteje, Oyi, the Media Committee Chairman and the Secretary, Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 2025 edition respectively, Enugwu Agidi, Awkuzu, Nteje took second, third and forth positions, with 257, 251 and 245 marks respectively, while Achina, Nnewi, and Ezinifite came bracket with fifth position, having scored 236 marks each.
With 233, 229, 223, 220 and 219 marks each, Onitsha, Obosi, Ihiala, Ekwulobia, and Umueri came 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10 position respectively.
However, criteria for appraisal for the evaluation of performance for the hired judges were punctuality, which gets 15 marks; attendance (men and women), 15 marks; appearance/costume, 10, component, 15; cultural display, 20 and; payment of raffle ticket before the event/debt -free town, 25 marks.
Recalled that counting of towns’ unions members at their various seating slots usually starts by 8 am and usually, it is done by judges from National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Abuja, and each town union is expected to be at their slots before the time.
The occasion serves as a platform for promoting tourism, attracting people from diverse backgrounds, including Ndigbo and non-Ndigbo individuals, who converge to experience the celebration.
Senator Ben Obi, Chairman of the occasion, declared, “I stand before you humbled and honored to lead this year’s Anambra Day Celebration. ‘Onulu Ube Nwanne Agbanaoso’ – Unity is the Foundation of a Strong Community – is a timely reminder of the values that bind us.” Chief Simon Okeke (Ochendo), the father of the day, a former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, urged the community to continue fostering unity and promoting peace and love, allowing the event’s theme to guide their actions.
Chief (Mrs.) Christy Uba, Mother of the Day, expressed her honor at being part of the 2025 Anambra Day celebration, praising the large turnout and commending the women for their enthusiastic participation.
However, Sir Arinze Anadu*, President General of ASTPA, welcomed attendees to Anambra Day 2025, expressing gratitude to the governor for supporting the community and providing security in Anambra State.