The Executive Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Hon Barr Sunday Basil Nwankwo has promised to complete the building of a befitting pavilion at Edukwu Ikwo Noyo for use in the annual Celebration of Nnesweoha Festival before the end of his administration as Chairman of the Council.
He gave the assurances at the Celebration of the 2024 Nnesweoha Festival held on Friday 2nd August, 2024 at Edukwu Ikwo in Ekpelu Community of the Council.
He expressed delight to welcome all those who attended the event, especially the State Governor for honouring Ikwo people with his esteemed presence at the event.
“May I in a special way thank the grand master of modern Ebonyi State, and our great son-in-law, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, FNIOB, FCAI, GGCEHF (Onwa Oferekpe), the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, for creating the enabling environment for peace, unity and for the sustenance of our rich cultural heritage.
“Your Excellency, Ikwo Noyo people are proud to identify with your people-oriented administration as encapsulated in the People’s Charter of Needs policy. We salute your giant strides in all sectors of our dear State, and as always assure you of our continued support.
“Let me also appreciate the Mother of the State and the most performing First Lady in Nigeria, Her Excellency, Chief Mrs. Uzoamaka Mary-Maudlin Ogbonna Nwifuru, Adaugo 1 of Ikwo Noyo for honoring us with your esteemed presence.”
He described the Celebration as one of the events that bring Ikwo people, their in-laws and friends together in love and unity.
“Nneswoha festival is a highly cherished inheritance from our ancestors, which both old and young eagerly wait for it. It is one of the most important festival used to renew relationship between parent and children, relations, friends and well-wishers. It is a season for love and care for one another.
“Nneswoha festival is used to mark the end of Ikwo calendar year and it is also used as a survival feast from scarcity of food. Most importantly, it is a day set aside for thanksgiving to the Almighty God for His enabling grace to see the end of the traditional year.
“It is important to note that Nneswoha festival is usually a prelude to the new yam festival (Eke-Nwannekwa). Ikwo Noyo people are grateful to God Almighty for the unity, peace and progress recorded over the years, particularly for this year.”
Thanking the people for re-electing him for second term, Barr Nwankwo pledged not to betray the thrust given to him by the electorates.
“May I use this medium to thank the good people of Ikwo Noyo Clan for re-electing me to serve them for a second term in office in the just concluded Local Government Election in Ebonyi State. Let me state unequivocally that the renewed mandate is a thrust that I must respect and honour at all time. As such I shall serve you with every sense of commitment, diligence and fear of God.
“We shall consolidate on the already existing peace and deliver more democratic dividends to our people. I understand that achieving sustainable progress and stability require a combination of vision, ideas and inclusive leadership style. These we are committed to bequeath in our Local Government Council and it requires collective prayer, advice and encouragement from all of us.
“I wish to reiterate that one of the pivotal objectives of my administration is to uphold our agricultural strength, those norms and cultural practices that distinguish Ikwo people from others.
“We will continue to unite our people and provide enabling environment for peace, prosperity and the flourishing of all legitimate cultures in our Clan.
“By the grace of God, we shall complete the Edukwu Noyo Civic Center that the foundation was laid last year so that next year, we shall be celebrating this event in a new pavilion” he assured.
The Chairman prayed and wished the people a success filled new Traditional calendar year.
“Finally, as we enter into the traditional New Year, I wish Ikwo people well and pray that the peace of God will reign supreme in the land. May this year’s celebration be filled with glamour, great memories and positive legacies in the minds of our people, guests, friends and In-laws.” Barr Nwankwo concluded.
The event was well attended by many dignitaries including the Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, former Governor of the State, Chief Martin Elechi, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, the State SSG, Prof. Grace Umezurike, Senator Obinna Ogba, State Executive Council Members, political office holders, traditional rulers, the business class, women and youth groups, religious leaders, sons and daughters of Ikwo Noyo Clan, friends, well wishers and cultural troops who entertained guests at the festival.