By Dr Innocent Chidumebi Okonkwo.
The traditional ruler of Aguleri, HRM Eze Dr Mike Chukwuneme Idigo ( Ezeudo Aguleri) is set to celebrate the 2025 Ovala Festival.
The Aguleri annual Festival lineup of events was disclosed during a press briefing at Aguleri by Chiefs Tony Oli (Omenokochi) and Amechi Akorah (Agbogidi Aguleri), on behalf of the organizers of Ovala Aguleri 2025.
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 2024. Okanga Aguleri Lecture/Symposium is billed for Wednesday, 2nd January, 2025 at Eziagulu 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 3rd January 2025.
During his remarkable five 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 2025 Ovala Aguleri Festival and its accompanying events will span from one week from 30th December 2024 to January 6th 2025.
Few of the highlight events are:
*Okanga Annual Lecture* - Thursday, 2nd January, 2025.
*Ada Aguleri (Mini-Masquarade) Carnival* - Friday, 3rd January, 2025.
*Ovala Fiesta* - Saturday, 4th January, 2025, Nkwo.
It all promises some unforgettable experience.
The general public is cordially invited to the 2025 Ovala Aguleri festivities.
*Upcoming Events in Aguleri*
*
1. *Okanga Annual Lecture*: Thursday, January 2, 2025
2. *Ada Aguleri (Mini-Masquerade) Carnival*: Friday, January 3, 2025
3. *Ovala Fiesta*: Saturday, January 4, 2025 (Nkwo)
*Burial Ceremonies*
1. *Late Mrs./Mr. Nnaluo* (Parents of Chief Kingsley Chizoba Nnaluo)
- Mother: 27th December 2024
- Father: 2nd January 2025
2. *Late Ogbuanyinya Nnaeke Molokwu*
- Date: 28th December 2024
- Venue: Ama Umuriabor Eziagulu Otu Aguleri
3. *Late Mr. Obagha* (Father of Ogbuevi Amechi Obagha, Umungalagu Ivite Aguleri)
- Date: 2nd January 2025
4. *Late Iyom Roseline Ambruce Ejike (Ochonma Jideaku)*
- Date: 2nd January 2025 : Ama Umuokpoto Enugwu Aguleri
5. *Late PA Ogbuanyinya Oguo Akorah*
- Date: Sunday, 29th December 2024
- Venue: Ama Umuanezunu Eziagulu Aguleri
6. *Late Chief Udezuo Anekwe*
- Date: 30th December 2024
- Venue: Justice Chinwuba
*Special Event*
- *Prophet Onyeakpana Nwagu Akanodu Nkechikwulu Okwuakpunu's Crusade*
- Ministry: God is Above All
- Venue: Umungalagu village square, Ivite Aguleri
- Date: 31st December 2024
*IMPORTANT REMINDER OF NOTABLE DATES IN IVITE AGULERI*
From the 23rd to 30th of December, there shall be no burial ceremonies in Ivite Aguleri but there shall be marriages, house warming parties and other ceremonies.
on the 24th December, 2024, *"IVITE YOUTH DAY"*
On the 26th December, 2024, *"IVITE CHRISTMAS CONFERENCE"*
On the 29th December, 2024, *"IVITE AGULERI NOVELTY MATCH"*
On the 30th December, 2024, *"IVITE DAY CELEBRATION"*
For this reason, there won't be any individual activities in all parts of Ivite Aguleri in any of these dates.
*Any defaulters shall pay the sum of 500k as a fine.*
Please note these dates and venues for the upcoming events in Aguleri.