Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa Graces Colourful Ekpenibro Festival in Atan Abam, Celebrates Cultural Heritage
Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, has expressed delight over his participation in the vibrant Ekpenibro Festival held in Atan Abam. The annual cultural event celebrates the deep historical significance of Atan Abam and its connection to the 19th-century sea merchant trading routes that linked communities around old Bende with British Navy and Customs operations in the 1860s.
Speaking after the festival, Hon. Osonwa highlighted the importance of preserving cultural identity through such events. He described the Ekpenibro Festival as a proud reenactment of the past, where people from the region would gather in Abam to ferry goods for international trade.
“This festival reenacts these historical events in a colourful manner and is the pride and joy of the people of Atan Abam,” he stated.
He also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the organizers of the event, especially the President of Unubiko Foundation, Chief Chijoke James Umeh, for his efforts in preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the people.
“I want to thank Chief Chijoke James Umeh for this celebration of culture that attracted H.E. Dr. Alex Otti (OFR), the Executive Governor of Abia State, and other distinguished guests,” Hon. Osonwa added.
The Ekpenibro Festival continues to serve as a unifying force and a reminder of the resilience, enterprise, and cultural wealth of the Abam people.
Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa (Oke Abba Ohafia)
Member, House of Representatives
Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency
