Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has called on the people of the Ezza clan to uphold peace, unity, and love as they celebrate the 2026 Okeaku Festival, the annual New Yam and New Year celebration of the Ezza people.
The governor made the call on Monday at the Ezza Civic Centre, Amana Community, in Ezza South Local Government Area, where thousands of sons and daughters of Ezza, traditional rulers, political leaders, and other dignitaries gathered to mark the cultural festival.
Speaking at the event, Nwifuru described the Okeaku Festival as a cherished cultural heritage that reflects the history, identity, and values of the Ezza people, urging them to preserve the tradition for future generations.
He said, “I urge all sons and daughters of Ezza to remain peaceful, united, and committed to the progress of our land. Our strength lies in our unity, and together we can achieve greater development.”
The governor noted that lasting peace remains the foundation for meaningful development, stressing that communities can only attract growth and investment when they maintain harmony and stability.
According to him, “Let us continue to promote peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and brotherhood. We must avoid anything capable of dividing our people and instead work together for the common good of Ezza land and Ebonyi State.”
Nwifuru further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering democratic dividends across all parts of the state, assuring the people that ongoing projects in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture would be sustained to improve the lives of citizens.
He also commended the Ezza people for preserving their rich cultural heritage through the annual Okeaku Festival, describing the celebration as an important platform for promoting unity, cultural identity, and community development.
The 2026 Okeaku Festival attracted prominent traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders irrespective of political parties, youth groups, and cultural troupes, who celebrated with colourful displays of traditional dances, music, masquerades and other cultural performances while praying for a peaceful and prosperous new year for the Ezza nation.
