By Patrick Ochei
The report of the 2025 edition of Ine Aho Festival has been submitted to the amiable and proactive monarch of Issele-Uku Kingdom, HRM Agbogidi Obi Nduka JP (MNSE).
The report was submitted by the Ine Aho Festival Committee, Chaired by Chief (Prof) John Ochei (Okwalegwe of Issele-Uku) in addition to submitting a comprehensive photographic album, an external device containing the visual coverage of the festival in series, as well as publications made in national dailies.
The Committee members who were adorned in our native Akwa Ocha attire, matched with the Ine Festival muffler, eulogized the culture connoisseur of a king for his dexterity to leadership and for finding the Committee worthy to interpret and implement the task assigned to them.
According to the Chairman, Chief John Ochei, “Serving our king and community, especially as it concerns our traditional heritage, is a call to duty. This was a royal call none of us could have taken for granted, because nobody disputes the assignment of a king.
“We swung into action as soon as appointed; and to our best of capacity, we lived up to expectation. Our success story cannot be told without making reference to your undisputable focus, impeccable leadership and administrative acumen, Your Majesty. Every Issele-Uku son and daughter sees you as an inspiration in terms of traditional leadership and high regard to our culture and traditions. You have led us well thus far; and you have continued to sustain this legacy of focused and selfless leadership – which is what also aided our success in terms of fundraising and participation of all and sundry”, Chief Ochei submitted.
In addition, the Chairman vehemently appreciated the Issei Transformation Group (ITG) for coming to the rescue of the Committee with funds. He commended them for responding as proudly Issele-Uku support system, thereby pledging to continue to partner the group for the overall best interest of Issele-Uku as a community and benefit of every son and daughter.
The Committee helmsman, equally appreciated other well meaning indigenes, groups, friends and well wishers who supported the Committee to make the 2025 edition of Ine Aho Festival grand and culturally accomplished.
In his response, Obi Nduka commended the Committee for a job well done, describing the 2025 Ine Festival as topnotch and one that drew the attention of the global community.
He said that the State and National Governments have a lot to benefit from the value Issele-Uku Festival is bringing to tourism development at the State and National levels, and even beyond.
The highly revered monarch therefore, advised government at all levels to invest adequately in the tourism economy, maintaining that it is one aspect that has the capacity to generate local and foreign revenues for the government.
Agbogidi Obi Nduka however, appraised the Leadership of Chief John Ochei Ph.D, describing it as astute and goal-getting. He added that he performed beyond expectation, which is a clear indication that a thoroughbred professional was in charge, and he did handle the assignment as profoundly and meticulously as possible.
The result oriented king nonetheless, reappointed Chief John Ochei, a well disciplined Babcock University lecturer, to continue as Chairman ahead of the 2026 Ine Aho Festival, which will mark the 10th edition since the ascension of Obi Nduka to the throne of his forebears.
