By Patrick Ochei
The 98 year old 13th Asagba of Asaba, HRM Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien has urged the Face of Anioma Diaspora to expand the documentation of Anioma Culture through conscious effort to showcase the cultural heritage of the people, adding that there is need to make our culture holistic and well documented.
He gave this advice while playing host to the Face of Anioma Diaspora, a group envisioned to harmonise and promote Anioma language, cuisine and attire, including engaging our teeming youths through productive trades that will engender their future aspirations in positive light.
According to Asagba, “It’s a thing of joy to see our culture being promoted by our younger generation. Many don’t know what arts and culture mean to the black man. When we were young in school, the white man didn’t believe we were humans. They regarded us as animals, which was the reason for slave trade. This happened because there was no documentation of our cultural existence.
“It was the drawing of the black man through art that brought us to reckoning. What you are doing today is addition and expansion. Our culture has already taken root internationally.
“The Organisation For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC), is doing its own part in promoting our identity as Anioma people; you should defer to them by way of recognising what they have done. You all need to work together for the betterment of our culture and traditions. Our culture is not just dancing; we have wrestling, music and others. It must be holistic.
“Now that the white man has come to recognise that we have made our own contribution to the world’s development in culture, we are no longer seeking relevance but to continue to update the world about who we are. That is why you as a group should help in expanding the documentation of our culture and historical existence. We are here to support you to succeed in your endeavours, as far as your agenda are geared towards the good of Anioma”, Asagba posited.
In three separate interviews, the Iyase of Asaba, Obi Patrick Isioma Goodluck Onyeobi, the Onye-Udo of Asaba, Chief Augustine N. Ndili and Secretary to Asagba Palace, Chief Patrick Ndili gave a brief history of Anioma and why the people should continue to be peace loving and hospitable in their relationship with others.
While Obi Onyeobi believes that though majority of our people are now Christians, he said we still have our culture and tradition that must be respected.
Earlier in their presentation, the leader of the Face of Anioma delegation, Mrs. Helen Dunkwu had acknowledged the importance of the Asagba’s royal prayers and blessings as the group begins the implementation of its human capital development of Anioma people.
She therefore gave a brief introduction of the vision and mission of the Face of Anioma, which was conceptualised by an illustrious son based in America, Mr. Jude Banor.
Her words, “The Face of Anioma is about the unity of Anioma Nation. It’s the intention of the visioneer to use the platform for the harmonisation of our local dialects for seamless teaching of our children who need to understand our local language and the values behind our existence. We are basically promoting our language, our attire (Akwa Ocha), our food, including beauty pageantry, skills acquisition that will come with starter packs for trainees to take off their personal businesses.
“Our message is for our children at home and abroad to submit to learning and understanding of Anioma unique identity and vaoues. We are here for your Royal Blessing Agu, as we embark on this humanitarian service to our people”, Dunkwu explained.
As a mark of respect to the Asagba and trademark of the Face of Anioma, an Akwa Ocha (Anioma Identity Attire) was presented to the Asagba as a gift.
It was indeed a memorable outing as the Aguba Royal Dance Group of Asaba was handy to bring out the best of the royal visit through inspirational songs and dance. The audience was equally entertained with enough to eat and drink.
Some of the Asagba-in-Council cabinet members that were present with Asagba as he received his guests included the wife, HRM Queen Modupe Clara Edozien, Obi PIG Onyeobi, Chief A.N. Ndili, Chief Patrick Ndili, Diokpa Sylva Oforgu and others too numerous to mention.
