As the people of Nekede Autonomous Community, (Ancient Kingdom) celebrated their new yam festival, known as Odu Nekede, an illustrious son of the community, Hon. Chidi Ordu, popularly known as Madoka, has rated the festival high with a call for cultural revival in the community and entire Igbo land to avoid lost of cultural heritage and identity.
Fielding questions from newsman in Nekede, shortly after the event, Hon Ordu, a former Executive Chairman of Owerri West Local Government Area and former Special Adviser to Imo State Government, viewed Odu Nekede Festival as a highly cherished cultural and historical event in Owerri Zone.
Madoka was a former youth Chairman of Umujechi in Nekede, lauded the indigenes of Nekede for their unity of purpose, which has helped to sustain the festival over the years.
He expressed delight that the festival has become a source of unity among the people of Nekede and their nneighbours.
The former Special Adviser to Imo State Government, explained that Odu Nekede Festival is a significant cultural event that showcases the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Nekede people with activities like traditional dances, displays, drama, entertainment, noting that it takes place every last Saturday in the month of August.
The illustrious son of Nekede, further emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting unity among the people of Imo State through cultural revival.
He urged the indigenes of to maximise the season of Odu Nekede by showing love to the less privileged in their midst as they engage in the merriment that comes with the Odu festival. "When you are eating remember your brother and sister who has little or nothing to eat' he appealed.
Madoka viewed his call for cultural revival as part of his continuous passionate commitment and efforts to promote the rich cultural heritage of Nekede, "according to him, "Odu Nekede serves as a platform for sustaining our cultural heritage, strengthening unity, peace, and cultural identity. It reminds us of the things that hold us together as a people, it brings people from different kindreds in Nekede together with their inlaws, friends and creates an opportunity for them to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Nekede".
Madoka said, "our culture is an indispensable aspect of our lives, it promotes our unique traditions, customs and values, as you can see, I am here with my people of Ugwumba Age Grade, I shall always work to preserve our cultural heritage for future generations"
The Former Executive Chairman of Owerri West LGA, noted that the worst thing that will happen to a people is to neglect their cultural heritage and identify, saying; 'I seize this opportunity to call on the people of Igbo land to embrace their culture and shun any obnoxious cultural practice that Jeopardises human health and life"
Highlights of the event was cutting of the new yam by;the Traditional Ruler of Nekede, His Royal Majesty, Eze Nkemjika Agumanu, presentation of Certificate of recognition to those who received Chieftaincy title from the Monarch, special Matching parade by all the age grades, special presentations by Women Groups of all the kindreds in Nekede as well as Umuada,(Ndi Mgboto) and presentation of cash rewards to those who emerged successful in the football competition.