Abakaliki, Nigeria – Hon. Chinedu Ogah, Member representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi at the National Assembly, says he gyrated freely with his people during his community’s cultural festival because they are his security.
Ogah made the declaration on Thursday when reacting to questions on why he freely danced and gyrated with his people during the 2025 Aji Ereke cultural festival.
The lawmaker disclosed that the annual festival of his community, Amagu, in Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi state, was one of the best moments he convivialed with his people.
“You can see that my people guide, protect and direct my movements thereby giving me the needed strength.
“I advise leaders to be attached to their people and always dwell in their midst.
“We should be sincere to them and not when elections approach, we come home to deceive them.”
The lawmaker noted that he will do all within his powers to sustain the festival due to the peace and unity it brings to the community.
“This is a joint project with stakeholders and people of the community as you can observe that those based abroad returned in their numbers.
“The 25 villages which make up the community observed the week-long festival with this particular event being the climax.
“You can observe a unique trait of the festival where some individuals exhibit a hereditary sort of spiritual transformation.”
He urged Nigerians to assist in discovering their communities rich cultural heritage, to promote peace and unity in the country.
“We would earn more respect from outsiders when we rediscover and imbibe our various cultural heritage.
“I also urge the people to continue supporting Gov. Francis Nwifuru and President Bola Tinubu as they have created conducive atmospheres for our culture to thrive.”
Gov. Nwifuru, represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Moses Odunwa, commended Ogah for magnifying the cultural festival which has brought the community to limelight.
“The enthusiasm showed by Ogah and other stakeholders in making the festival glamorous should be emulated by all.
“The state government has created a conducive atmosphere for culture and other segments of the people’s lives to thrive.”
Dignitaries from within and outside the state attended the colourful event with various cultural performances on display.
