Mr. Patrick Okoye and Ijele Nwanyi Igbo Nile Chief Mrs Ifeyinwa Arafat Ezenwa
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UMUDIOKA, ANAMBRA STATE — The Chairman of the United Indigenous People of Umudioka Worldwide, Mr. Patrick Okoye, has called on sons and daughters of Umudioka across Nigeria and the diaspora to strengthen unity, preserve their cultural heritage, and contribute actively to the development of their ancestral community.
The message was delivered on his behalf by the Secretary General of the association, Chief Mrs. Ifeyinwa Arafat Ezenwa (Ijele Nwanyi Igbo Nile), during the annual Umudioka Mkpikpa Festival, a three-day cultural celebration that draws indigenes home from across the world.
Welcoming participants to the festival, Chief Ezenwa described the event as more than an annual cultural gathering, saying it remains a sacred homecoming designed by the forefathers of Umudioka to preserve the community’s identity, foster unity, and strengthen ties among its people.
She noted that the festival has continued to serve as a platform for reconnecting with ancestral roots, honouring the memories of past generations, and renewing the collective commitment to the progress of Umudioka.
According to her, the vision of the community’s forebears was to ensure that every generation remains connected to its heritage while safeguarding the customs and traditions that define Umudioka’s unique identity.
Highlighting one of the festival’s defining features, Chief Ezenwa said a special day is reserved exclusively for all sons and daughters of Umudioka, irrespective of where they reside, to reinforce their bond with their homeland and encourage greater participation in community development.
She urged indigenes to embrace peace, mutual respect, and cooperation, stressing that sustainable progress can only be achieved through unity.
“A united people can accomplish extraordinary things,” she said, while appealing to community members to set aside differences and work collectively for the advancement of Umudioka.
The association also expressed appreciation to community members who travelled from different parts of Nigeria and abroad to participate in the celebration, describing their presence as a demonstration of enduring loyalty and commitment to their ancestral home.
Chief Ezenwa encouraged members of the Umudioka diaspora to continue investing in initiatives that promote education, healthcare, youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and other projects capable of improving the quality of life in the community.
Addressing the younger generation, she urged them to remain proud ambassadors of Umudioka by learning the community’s history, upholding its cherished values, respecting traditional institutions, and preserving its cultural identity for future generations.
The Secretary General also paid tribute to the founding fathers and mothers of Umudioka, acknowledging their sacrifices and vision in laying the foundation for the unity and cultural legacy the community enjoys today.
She offered prayers for lasting peace, prosperity, abundant harvests, good health, and continued progress for Umudioka, while seeking divine protection for all indigenes at home and in the diaspora.
On behalf of Chairman Patrick Okoye and the leadership of the United Indigenous People of Umudioka Worldwide, Chief Ezenwa wished participants a peaceful, successful, and memorable Mkpikpa Festival, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to promoting unity, cultural preservation, and sustainable development within the community.
The annual Umudioka Mkpikpa Festival remains one of the foremost cultural events of the community, serving as a symbol of identity, heritage, and collective responsibility among Umudioka people worldwide.
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