The Ndoni people of Rivers State rolled out the drums recently to celebrate their annual cultural day for peace and unity as Felix Obuah promises to transform the festival into a national gathering
Jude Nzennaya Port Harcourt
Ndoni community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State came together in unity to celebrate their annual cultural day, a four day programme rolled out under the Chairmanship of RTN Chinedu Ikenga as Local Organising Committee (LOC). At the event which started on the 27th day of March 2024 and ended on 31st March, 2024 being the Easter Sunday, the Ndoni nation came out in their numbers to showcase the rich cultural heritage of their people, known for fostering peace and unity among her people and the surrounding communities.
The cultural heritage day was initiated by Chief John Obi, the Onu-Eze Ndoni and the Oshimili of Ogba land many years ago which has been impacting positively on the unification of the of Ndoni people.
In an interaction session, Chief Obi who explained that the event originated from the traditional dancing of Age Grades in Ndoni where he witnessed the love, peace and unity among his people like never before, motivated by the display, said he decided to expand and share the celebration worldwide.
The event attracted notable illustrious sons, daughters, friends and dignitaries from far and near, among them is the Coordinator of Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) Felix Obuah who represented the FCT Minister, former Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike.
Obuah expressed gratitude to Chief Onu-Eze for initiating such a unifying event and promised to collaborate with the Ndoni community to transform the festival to a national gathering that would attract visitors from all over the world.
Speaking further, Obuah acknowledge the significance of the Ndoni Cultural Day, praising it as a source of pride for Ndoni people as he commended Chief Obi for his contributions and Deacon Ikenga chairman organizing committee for a well organized program. He congratulated the people of Ndoni for keeping the event separately from politics and emphasized the importance of love and unity, regardless of political affiliations.
Obuah in his generosity donated the sum of N200,000.00 each to 20 age-grade groups that performed at the event demonstrating his support and appreciation.
Several other neighboring community leaders and representatives were there to grace the occasion symbolising the spirit of unity and solidarity within the local government.
The cultural day also fostered a sense of togetherness among the prople as Obuah exchanged brotherly handshake with Dr. Ugboma and other dignitaries present, showcasing the absence of division within the local government, even in the realm of politics.
The Ndoni community expressed their gratitude towards Obuah and the chairman organizing committee of Ndoni Cultural Day, Deacon Chinedu Ikenga.
The celebration, deeply rooted in the cultural fabrics of the Ndoni community serves as an annual reminder of the importance of unity, love and peace among her people. The Ndoni people pledged to further nurture the cultural heritage to pass it to the coming generations who will continue to embrace their unique traditions.
