By Dr Innocent Chidumebi Okonkwo.
Arrangements are on top gear for the celebration of the 2024 Ovala festival of the Ezedioranma of Mkpunando, Aguleri Anambra East in Anambra State, His Royal Highness, Igwe Johnson Onyeaka Mbanefo, billed for April 6th 2024, at his Palace in Mkpunando Aguleri.
Briefing newsmen on the preparedness for the Ovala, Igwe Mbanefo said that Ovala was a festival of the people of Mkpunando where they display their rich cultural heritage.
” It is also a reenactment of the joy , which the monarch shares with his subjects, said the traditional ruler.
The Monarch added that the Ovala festival would last for two days.
“First day is the Ovala fiesta, (Iru Ovala), which is Saturday, while the second day, (Azu Ofala), that is Sunday. The theme of this year’s Ovala is, "Ovala Udo” he stated.
He said that the goal of the Ovala festival was to educate, inform and entertain residents and visitors alike.
The press statement by HRH Ezedioranma read in part, ”I am delighted to welcome you all to this press conference to announce the details for this year’s Ovala festival which is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 6th April 2024 at Ama Mkpunando Aguleri.
He further said that this year’s Ovala, which is his 2nd Ovala as the traditional ruler of the community would be held at the usual Ama Mkpunando in Aguleri Otu and will span two days with Iru Ovala on Saturday, April 6th and the Azu Ovala on Sunday 7th, Ezedioranma concluded.