The Ogidi Community in Idemili North Local Government Area  of Anambra held the “ito-aro festival” in honour of their Octogenarian parents.

The event was staged at the Ogidi Town Hall to celebrate those that just attained 80.

The ceremony marked the maiden ito-aro in Ogidi Community, involving seven age grades in the town – Obioma, Okpoko, Akpaka, Oganiru, Government, Umuoyibo and Ijego.

The event showcased different types of masquerades outing by those of younger generation age grades at the occasion.

Igba Akwunaechenyi Cultural Group, a local musical band attended with an Ijele Masquerade (a special big Masqurade), Obinwanne with a replica of Lion Masquerade and Ugwumba with Oke Agu and some other masquerades made grand entries at the arena.

Ogidi Youths, at home and abroad were there in numbers to witness the festival.

Edwin Ibegbu, an Ogidi Businessman, based in the United Arab Emirates, UAE, was in attendance to witness the occasion and to celebrate his aged father.

At the occasion, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra said: “When a good leader is on the throne his people will rejoice’’.

The governor commended Igwe Alex Onyido, who was installed in 2018, for ensuring the completion of the first and second phases of his novel project initiative – the “N20 Million Community Choose Your Project Initiative.’’

According to him, I am overwhelmed by type of recognition you accorded me, since honouring me with a title, “Dike Ejiejemba 1 Ogidi.’’

Other dignitaries in attendance are top government functionaries including Uche Ekwunife, a senator-elect to represent Anambra Central.

The carnival-like occasion featured many cultural dances including Ofuobi Women and Ogene Cultural troupes at the event.

– Apr. 23, 2019 @ 05:20 GMT |