B
y Dr Innocent Chidumebi Okonkwo.
The traditional ruler of Aguleri, HRM Eze Dr Mike Chukwuneme Idigo ( Eze Udo Aguleri) is set to celebrate the 2024 Ovala Festival.
The Aguleri annual Festival lineup of events was disclosed during a press briefing at Aguleri by Chief Amechi Akorah (Agbogidi Aguleri), the director of Ovala Aguleri 2024 Media and Communications Sub-Committee.
Over the years, the popular Ovala has evolved, growing in scope, social glamor, and cultural significance. This year, it’s more captivating than ever, commencing with a vibrant youth carnival on 31st December 2023. Okanga Aguleri Lecture/Symposium is billed for Wednesday, 3rd January, 2024 at Igboezunu Aguleri.
Ovala Aguleri has garnered recognition at both national and international levels for its cultural significance as one of the major Nigerian festivals, similar to Ofala Onitsha and the Igue festival of Bini kingdom in many respects.
Ovala Aguleri approximates the status of the most popular tourist attraction East of the River Niger as thousands of youths troop into Aguleri from distant locations like Abuja, Port Harcourt, Lagos, the West Coast of Africa and beyond, to be part of Ada Aguleri (mini-masquerade) Carnival, which usually holds the day before the Ovala fiesta.
During his remarkable four years as Igwe Aguleri, Dr. Michael Chukwuneme Idigo V has left an indelible mark, galvanizing the internal structures and resources of the ancient Aguleri for the kingdom`s peace and prosperity. He has also advanced a renaissance of the choicest aspects of the people's culture and tradition. His vision for communal security and social transformation takes into account the imperative for cross cultural integration in the context of rapid urbanization such as Aguleri has witnessed in recent years.
The 2024 Ovala Aguleri Festival and its accompanying events will span one week from 31st December 2023 to January 8th 2024.
The main Ovala days are:
Ada Carnival, Friday, 5th January, 2024.
Ovala Fiesta, Saturday, 6th January, 2024.
Ovala Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday, 7th January, 2024.
It all promises some unforgettable experience.
The general public is cordially invited to the 2024 Ovala Aguleri festivities.
MAJOR EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN DECEMBER/JANUARY 2024.
*26/12/2023*
*Ivite Aguleri General Conference on 26th December 2023.
*28/12/2023*
*Funeral Ceremony of Late Ogbuevi Joseph Iwoegbune Ogugua of Eziagulu Otu Aguleri. Venue of the event is Ochendo field opposite Justice Chinwuba memorial secondary school Aguleri- December 28th 2023.
*29/12/2023*
Ivite Aguleri annual novelty match at Ama Ivite square on 29th December 2023.
Burial ceremony of Late Iyom Ugobuezennunu! Mama Paulina Nnacheta Nee Akwuba.The mother of Barr. Mrs Edith Mike Ejezie (Okeite Aguleri) and Mr Obi Emmanuel Nnacheta. Date 29th December 2023 at Ameze Aguleri.
The burial ceremony of Late Pastor Raphael Chinwuba. The father of Chidi Oracle. St Mary's Catholic church field Aguleri junction. On 29th December 2023.
*30/12/2023*
Ivite Aguleri Day. There will be no other event whatsoever in the entire Ivite Aguleri Community. Venue is Ama Ivite square, Ivite Aguleri. 30/12/2023.
Ovala Oganiru Eziagulu Otu Aguleri 2023 by HRH Igwe Lawrence Nwofia ( Igwe Ochiagha) @Eziagulu Otu Aguleri 30/12/2023.
*31/12/2023*
Aguleri National Youth Association (ANYA) Day. On 31st December 2023.
*3/1/2024*
Okanga Aguleri lecture. Venue: Ikenga Hall Igboezunu Aguleri on Wednesday 3rd January 2024.
*5/01/2024*
Ada Carnival, Friday 5th January 2024
*6/01/2024*
Ovala fiesta, Saturday 6th January 2024 at Ama Igwe public square Ameze Otuocha Aguleri.
*07/1/2024*
Ovala thanksgiving Mass on Sunday 7th January 2024 at St Joseph's Catholic church Aguleri. 7/1/24.