Awka, the capital of Anambra state, will host crème de la crème of the society tomorrow, December 30, 2021, as the people celebrate the eleventh biennial Egwu Uzu Festival of Obi Dr. Gibson Nwabueze Nwosu (OON), Eze Uzu the Second of Awka. This year’s festival, tagged, “IVE EJI MALU AWKA”, will also be used to mark the 23rd anniversary of Obi Gibson Nwosu’s ascension to the Awka Traditional stool.

Before ascending the throne in 1998, Obi Nwosu has held various positions in Awka, including that of President-General of Awka Development Union Nigeria, which he served for two terms. Due to his superlative service, Awka community conferred on him with the chieftaincy title, “Icheku Awka” through Obi Alfred Ndigwe, Eze Uzu the first.

Obi Gibson Nwosu is a foundation member of the Nigerian Air Force, where he retired as Squadron Leader. He later served the Old Anambra State Government as Chairman, Anambra State Environmental Sanitation Authority. Obi Gibson Nwosu is a Major in the Knight of Saint John International of the Catholic Church.

This year’s Egwu Uzu festival and 23rd anniversary of his ascendance to the throne will take place at the Awka Civic Centre, near the Awka City Stadium, beginning by 12 noon. Governor Willie Obiano (Akpokuedike) is expected as the Chief Guest of Honour, while a one-time governor of Anambra state, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Okwadike Igboukwu, will chair the occasion. The Governor-elect, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, CFR will be the Special Guest of honour. The event has Prince Arthur Eze, Ozoigbundu as distinguished guest of honour with Senator Ben Ndii Obi CON, Okuzunagbazeigwe, Ojeligbo Nigeria, as host, among other dignitaries.

Obi Nwosu will use the occasion to confer chieftaincy titles on some prominent citizens for their contributions to the development of the society.

Egwu Uzu was crafted from the blacksmithing wizardry for which Awka people are known. Blacksmithing has taken Awka citizens to Warri and Benin and many parts of Igbo land. The gate of the Buckingham Palace of Queen Elizabeth the Second of England was crafted by an Awka citizen, Ogbuefi John Uzoka from Umuogbu village, Awka.

It was because of Awka technology that the then Governor of the old Anambra state, Chief Jim Nwobodo, established the then Anambra State University of Science and Technology (ASUTECH) in Awka, with an Awka indigene, Professor Kenneth Dike as its pioneer Vice Chancellor.

Obi Alfred Ndigwe was the first traditional ruler that introduced Egwu Uzu Festival, which has been sustained by the Eze Uzu the Second, Obi Gibson Nwosu. So, as Obi Gibson Nwosu is poised to exhibit the Egwu Uzu dance steps at the Awka city stadium on December, 30, 2021, Awka people, comprising 33 villages, should rally round him for the development of Awka.

The reign of Obi Nwosu has brought many benefits to the community. Today, Ndi Awka can be found across the globe, many working as skilled professionals in a wide range of fields. As a result, there is a large Awka Diaspora located primarily in Britain, United States, Canada, Australia etc.

Awka is a university town and has radio and television stations, both public and private, a central bank, commercial banks and many other federal and state institutions, and over four hundred and fifty hotels, all attracted during the reign of Obi Gibson Nwosu.

What the entire people of Awka owe Obi Gibson Nwabueze Nwosu is their total support and loyalty, to enable him continue with his people-oriented programmes and policies, which will lead Awka to the promised land.

Awka Muonu, Zuonu, Kachanu, Awka Bulunuoo!

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