..Event joyfully and successfully conducted in spite of initial security warning by government
…Monarch announces efforts to introduce study of Awka blacksmithing in tertiary institutions
…Speakers warn “mischief makers” attempting to usurp the authority of the recognized traditional rulers
By Kenechukwu Chukwudi, Awka Times Guest Reporter
The Awka Civic Center, located within the old Awka stadium, pulsated with pomp and pageantry on December 28, 2019 as a throng of Awka indigenes, along with well-wishers and observers from near and far, gathered to celebrate the 2019 edition of the biennial Egwu Uzu (Dance of the Smith) festival hosted by His Majesty Eze Uzu II, Obi Gibson Nwosu, the government-certified traditional ruler of Awka town, capital of Anambra State, Nigeria. The monarch was escorted into the arena by the Igba Eze (Royal Drum) dance troupe and was surrounded by a phalanx of his cabinet chiefs as he made the rounds greeting the gathered assembly.
▲ Eze Uzu II, Obi Gibson Nwosu with his Cabinet heading into the venue
The major entrance to the Egwu Uzu venue witnessed heavy presence of security personnel, made up of members of the Nigerian Police Force, the Directorate of State Security and the National Security and Civil Defence force. This might not be unconnected with a security warning issued by the Anambra State government in the wake of the ongoing kingship tussle in Awka and the decision by the dueling camps to hold their competing festivals on the same day in Awka. The other entrance to the venue was manned by Federal Road Safety Corp officers.
Speaking on the significance of Egwu Uzu festival, Senator Ben Ndi Obi told the Awka Times and other reporters that Awka people are known all over the world for their blacksmithing skills, a testament to their talent being the invitation of Awka smiths in the colonial period to help with the casting of an early version of the Buckingham Palace gate in London. High Chief Obi explained that the biennial Egwu Uzu festival is a way to keep the ingenious blacksmithing culture of Awka people alive.
Senator Obi also sued for peace in Awka. “l pray that peace and tranquility will continue to reign in this town. Let the elders speak truth to the people at all times because without truth you never get the right progress. So [let] truth continue to reign in our lives,” he prayed.
▲ High Chief Ndi Obi at the Egwu Uzu event
In his speech during the festival, Eze Uzu II of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu noted that Awka is a community that is dear to God, given its numerous blessings. He remarked that it was upon God’s grace that he was able to celebrate his tenth Egwu Uzu festival and his twenty-first year on the throne of Awka.
The monarch’s speech, which was read by the traditional prime minister in Nwosu’s cabinet, Chief Benjamin Okoye, also condemned the spate of killings in the city, the activities of some lawless people who he said want to usurp the powers of the traditional ruler, and the slow pace of development in Awka inner city. But the Eze Uzu thanked the Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano, for the purported “numerous” projects that his administration has conceived and implemented within the city and for his alleged support to the community.
▲ Eze Uzu Gibson Nwosu
The Egwu Uzu event climaxed when the traditional ruler, accompanied by the Igba Eze troupe led a dance procession to the Uno Uzu to re-enact the practice of blacksmithing, assisted by some cabinet members. The monarch also danced the Egwu Ufvio to the cheer and admiration of those present.
▲ Nwosu re-enacting the blacksmithing practice in the Uno Uzu
Interviewed at the occasion, one of the claimants to the title of President General of Awka Development Union Nigeria, Engineer Tony Okechukwu, and a member of Eze Uzu II’s cabinet, Chief Ifeanyi Enukorah, promised that Awka blacksmithing will not go into extinction, as efforts are being made to ensure that Awka blacksmithing is offerred as a diploma and degree programme in universities, to bring about innovation and development. On further enquiries, Awka Times learned that this matter is still at exploratory stage. Dr Kingsley K. Nwozor, a newly promoted Professor of Geology and Geophysics at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Anambra State, told Awka Times that there had been some discussion with the Rector of Anambra State Polytechnic, Mgbakwu, about the establishment of a blacksmithing and foundry course. Professor Nwozor lamented however that the polytechnic is still struggling to secure a National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) accreditation for core engineering courses which would make the institution a certified polytechnic. He also told Awka Times that “the matter of instituting Awka blacksmithing is… too narrow an academic pursuit,” and that it should be pursued “perhaps more [as a] historical and museum-centric [project].”
Engineer Okechukwu and Chief Enukorah also used the opportunity to warn those causing problems in Awka to think twice and think of how to bring peace to the town.
The Chairman of the 2019 Egwu Uzu occasion, Professor ABC Nwosu emphasized that culture is unique and that the blacksmithing heritage of Awka people has made them unique, making him proud to associate with Ndu Awka.
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, and Archbishop Ephraim Ndife of Holy Ghost Ministries, in interviews with Awka Times said that culture is unique and that each community has its own culture much of which the Church supports, except for idol worshiping. They urged Awka people to pray for the traditional ruler as he positively pilots the affairs of Awka town.
▲Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor
▲ Archbishop Ephraim Ndife of Holy Ghost Ministries
Most Reverend Ezeokafor, the Catholic church bishop, said: “Every group of people has its own culture and traditions and the church supports any tradition that is good. What the church does not support is paganism. Sometimes people mix up things, people have their own way of life. We African, we Igbos, we in Awka have our own way of life which God appreciates.”
The Egwu Uzu 2019 festival featured the conferment of chieftaincy titles to some notable personalities within Awka and beyond, including Chief Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Motors, Barrister Uba Anene and Sir Jonas Ekwenugo.
There were masquerade displays and other headline performances at the event.
- Chudi Okoye assisted with research and report writing.
