….Approves monthly subvention for maintenance, takes over sponsorship of Ofala festival
Executive Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, of Enugu tate, Engr. Pst. Beloved-Dan Obi Anike, in line with his administration’s determination to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Nike people, has declared the Ezeokwe Palace Ibagwa Nike and its adjoining artifacts ,a center for cultural heritage and tourism.
He made the pronouncement, Saturday, in his address at the Ofala Festival of the traditional ruler of Ibagwa -Nike Ancient Kingdom,HRH,Igwe Emma Ugwu
Pix: Beloved- Dan Anike
He said: “As part of our efforts to preserve and celebrate our cultural heritage, I am pleased to announce that the Ezeokwe Palace and its adjoining area are now designated as a center for cultural heritage and tourism. This designation comes with the recognition that this site holds immense historical, cultural, and symbolic value, not only to the people of Nike but to the broader Enugu community and beyond.
“To support this vision, the Enugu East Local Government, in collaboration with Enugu State . government, will ensure that this heritage site receives the support it deserves.
*,From this moment forward, the Ezeokwe Palace will receive a monthly subvention to sustain its operations and activities related to heritage promotion. In addition, this annual Ofala Festival will now be fully sponsored by the government to ensure its continuity, expansion, and alignment with local, national and international cultural tourism standards.”.
The Chairman stated that occasion like the Ofala Festival was more than a spectacle. “They are instruments of peace, social integration, and sustainable development. They provide a platform for indigenous and non-indigenous communities to come together in mutual respect and understanding. They remind us that, though we may have diverse origins, we are bound together in a shared destiny, “
He called on the people of Enugu East to Kay into the vision of an inclusive, united, and culturally enriched Enugu East. Working together to promote peace, uphold dignity, and preserve our shared heritage for generations yet unborn.
Recall that the Beloved-Dan led administrat had inaugurated the Nike Improvement and Cultural Heritage Committee on the 15th of November 2024, a committee that iwas charged with the responsibility of preserving and promoting Nike cultural heritage, amongst other tasks.
The traditional ruler of Ibagwa Nike autonomous community and chairman Enugu East Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. Emmanuel Ugwu, who was very happy with the council chairman’s declaration, expressed his gratitude, stating that the Ezeokwe palace is one of the best palaces in Africa that required high cost of maintenance which has been a challenge for the community alone. He expressed optimism that the center would soon become a global tourism destination following the intervention of the Local Government chairman.
Author-Maureen Ikpeama.