… As OFAAC Announces Festival’s 19th Edition On April 21
By Patrick Ochei
The President of the umbrella body of Anioma Culture – the Organisation For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC), Arc. Kester Ifeadi has said that the annual Anioma cultural festival is not a political project, insisting that it was established to promote the Anioma Identity and Essence in collaboration with Traditional Rulers as custodians of Anioma culture and traditions.
Ifeadi made this clarification in a press conference of OFAAC, held Thursday 27th March, 2025, to announce the 19th edition of Anioma Cultural Festival in Asaba, Delta State.
He gave reason why the 2024 edition was not held, hinging it on circumstances beyond the Organisation’s control. Specifically, he paid glowing tributes to the late Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof. Chike Edozien, the late Omu Anioma/Omu Okpanam, Obi Martha Dunkwu and other founding fathers and mothers who transited to the great beyond last year.
With an air of confidence, the highly achieved and respected President of OFAAC, affirmed that things are going to take a new turn in terms of the activities of the festival this year.
Arc. Ifeadi posited that more of creative cultural arts in dancing, wrestling and fluting would be introduced and prizes raised above what it used to be as a deliberate policy of the Organisation to continue to motivate and empower participants.
On the creation of Anioma State and other sundry issues bordering on the quest of Anioma Nation, Ifeadi said they are all welcome developments in as much as they don’t impede on the unity and peace of Anioma people.
According to him, “The agitation for the creation of Anioma State has come a long way and at a point in history, it was approved by the National Assembly to be created before a military coup truncated it. We are hopeful it would be a reality some day as much as there is no rancour or blackmail to achieve it.
“However, there is no agitation that can be meaningful without the critical involvement and input of the Traditional Rulers who are the custodians of our history and existence. We must give them that due regard. And of course, that is what OFAAC stands for; we cannot do anything without involving the Royal Fathers. This is because, the Anioma Cultural Festival is not a political project but an Anioma movement; whereas OFAAC is just a vehicle for that purpose”, Ifeadi added.
Furthermore, Arc. Ifeadi on behalf of OFAAC, vehemently appreciated the State Government for always providing the Organisation with the enabling environment for the conduct of the annual Anioma cultural festival.
The President also commended the Organization’s partners in the sponsorship of the annual festival like the Grand Oak (makers of Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps), Contemporary Group Limited, Delta State Government, etc., for their supportive roles towards the cultural advancement of Anioma people.
Meanwhile, in their separate goodwill messages, the three Traditional Rulers that were present – HRM Obi Henry Afamefune Kikachukwu JP (Ph.D), 2nd Vice Chairman of Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and Obi of Ubulu-Uno Kingdom, HRM Obi Clement Ejiofor, the Obi of Ukala Kingdom and HRM Obi Henry Jegbefune, the Obi of Akumazi Kingdom appreciated OFAAC for putting Anioma on the international stage of culture.
They reaffirmed their commitments to continue to render their support to OFAAC in order to mainstream an incremental cultural progress for Anioma Nation.
