Afugiri Ohuhu Umuahia North Local Government area of Abia State made a massive history in their 2024 Ekpe masquerade festival
The masquerade festival in Abia State is a popular event for both residents and tourists from around the world who appreciate Nigerian people and culture. The Ndi ohuhu masquerade festival, also known as “ekpe,” takes place in the Umuahia North local government area of Abia State and is celebrated across the Ohuhu region according to the masquerade committee’s schedule. Among the various cultural practices in Igbo land, the ekpe masquerade festival is notable for its ability to attract millions of global visitors to witness the festivities.
The 2024 Afugiri masquerade festival was truly impressive, with over 30,000 attendees from various parts of the world joining in the celebration. As promised by the ekpe committee, it was indeed a peaceful, joyful, and fulfilling event. From my perspective as a media house representative, it is important to highlight that the Afugiri masquerade festival was the most organized, secure, and peaceful, showcasing meticulous planning. The event was graced by NDI EZE (kings) from different communities, political leaders, and prominent figures in society.
Masquerades hold a revered status in Igbo culture, serving as significant figures that symbolize the identity, representation, and values of the people. People from different backgrounds, including children, adults, and women, gather to enjoy and dance to the drumbeats. During the festival, a sacred hut called “ogba” is erected, where only men are allowed to enter, and where the masquerade head, known as “Okeisiekpe”, pays respect to elders in the 11 autonomous communities.
The festival is incomplete without the Okeisiekpe declaration, which involves cutting the sacred “omu” (palm frond) at specific locations in the villages, culminating with the placement of the last one in front of the ogba. The festival promotes unity among villages, communities, and friends, despite some misunderstanding it due to religious beliefs associating ekpe with evil and demonic forces. However, this is not the case for the Afugiri people.
The festival started around 2pm and was concluded after 2am, with participants wishing it would never end. African culture is fundamental to the way of life of Africans and should be cherished and respected. All credit goes to chukwu Ndi Afugiri for the success of the most exceptional ekpe masquerade festival ever held in the history of Ohuhu, Umuahia North local government area of Abia State, and to the intelligent men the ekpe masquerade committee who ensure that Afugiri festival was the best in the history of Ohuhu.
The local security outfit (vigilante group) is also commended for their astute actions in ensuring the high maintenance of law and order.
May the almighty bless and preserve Ndi Afugiri and her cultural heritage
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Wow that’s wonderful
Wow that’s very wonderful
that’s very nice happy to see Igbo culture flourishing
The African cultural way of life ofis been cherished and respected.
Very interesting
Culture is beautiful
Very impressive , good to know we still have people who still hold on to their tradition
Our culture is our heritage
This masquerade festival known as ‘ekpe’ is indeed a wonderful sight seeing,I have once watched there performance on Facebook,as the writer says it’s a thing of Joy, and indeed a peaceful and a fulfilling event .
Our tradition is coming back to live.
This is pure Omenani.
Am glad with our masquerade tradition
The lion himself
Interesting….will like to witness the next ekpe masquerade festival
The lion himself
Great website
Impressive
It was a fun-filled event that brought old and young from home and abroad together!!
If so, mikky mouse is evil. White wash. Why do we allow Western belief and cultural inclination water down our cultural heritage that bonded the people for centuries before the white men came to divide us with religion lies. There is only one God, one Jesus, and Spirits working for God. And there are many ways to access exoteric world. Human lives is limitless and can access any level of spiritual realm if so desired and prepared. One way to commune with the inner world is through devices that vibrates and illuminates same. Masquerade is not evil but how people view and practice the culture may be bad.
So what is your point ?
People say that masquerade is evil. If so, mikky mouse is evil. White wash. Why do we allow Western belief and cultural inclination water down our cultural heritage that bonded the people for centuries before the white men came to divide us with religion lies. There is only one God, one Jesus, and Spirits working for God. And there are many ways to access exoteric world. Human lives is limitless and can access any level of spiritual realm if so desired and prepared. One way to commune with the inner world is through devices that vibrates and illuminates same. Masquerade is not evil but how people view and practice the culture may be bad.
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