The Commissioner of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy of Abia State, Dr. Matthew Ekwuribe has said that the state government led by Dr Alex Otti has endorsed the Ekponibro Cultural Festival as a state-backed event.
The commissioner said the move is part of efforts to promote and preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage, values and traditions.
Ekwuribe made the remark during a visit of the planning committee members of the 2025 Ekponibro Cultural Festival.
The festival is an annual cultural event under the sponsorship of the founder of Unubiko Foundation, Chief James Chijioke.
Members of the Ekponiboro Cultural Festival Organising Committee
THE WHISTLER can report that the 2025 edition will feature a posthumous awards to some deserving Igbo-cultural promoters for their selfless service.
Following the success of the 2024 edition, the commissioner told the delegation that the Otti-led government is committed to partnering with new individuals or groups to promote and preserve the state’s cultural heritage, values and traditions.
The commissioner said, “Dr. Alex Chioma Otti has endorsed the Ekwelempro Cultural Festival slated to be held on 19th of April, 2025, at Atan Abam in Arochokwu Local Government Area.
“I would be happy to partner with every other community that could come up with a very beautiful idea of what the community celebrates or what the community is all about.”
Also speaking during the visit, the General Manager, Abia Newspapers and Publishers Corporation, Chief Jones Ike explained that the festival is marked to enhance the tourism potential and rich cultural heritage of Atan Abam.
Chief Ike said the festival ceremony between the State Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy and the founder, Unubiko Foundation, Chief James Chijioke, would provide communities in Abam Onyerubi, Bende among others the opportunity to showcase their rich cultural heritage and traditions.
Chief Ike hailed governor Otti for his endorsement of the festival.
The chairman of the committee, Ekponibro Cultural Festival, Chief Kalu Olaka Kalu and a member of the committee, Chief Ben Obuzu, explained that there is no diabolic or fetish ceremony associated with the festival.
The committee added that the essence of the event is to celebrate excellence, rich cultural heritage of the people and giant sacrifices as well as efforts of pioneer traders and forefathers who were ardent about the Igbo culture.
The visit by the Ekponibro Cultural Festival Committee also witnessed the attendance of the Permanent Secretary, Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mrs. Chibuzo Ihemeri and directors of the ministry.
