The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has applauded the cultural pride and resilience of the Abam people, lauding their support for ongoing road projects during the 2025 Ekponiboro Festival held in Abam.
Speaking at the festival hosted by Chief James Ume, President of the Unubiko Foundation, the governor expressed admiration for the community’s deep-rooted commitment to tradition, describing it as key to the survival of any society.
“Any society that loses its tradition and culture is gone,” he said, noting that the continued celebration of the Ekponikpo Festival reflects the Iban people’s strong connection to their heritage.
The event attracted dignitaries from across political, traditional, religious, academic, and business circles, including members of the National Assembly, the Mayor of Arochukwu LGA, Engineer Dr. Chibuike Ezearo, Rector Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Dr. C.K Okoro, commissioners, clergy, and businessmen like Hon. Dr. Chima Anyaso amongst others
The governor also praised the Unubiko Foundation for sponsoring the event, offering prayers for its founder, Chief James Ume, whom he humorously referred to as “Ike Abia” rather than “Ike Abam”, citing his broader impact across the state.
He further acknowledged the cooperation of the Atan Abam people in supporting contractors working on road infrastructure, confirming reports of positive engagement with local communities. He announced the award of a new road project to enhance connectivity in the region.
“We are far gone, but we are not yet where we want to be,” he said, promising that the completed roads would link communities and give them “wings to fly.”
Encouraging residents to take advantage of the planting season, the governor urged them to see farming as a gateway to prosperity.
“I did not come to preach agriculture, but if you have not caught the vision, this is the time,” he added.
He also extended Easter greetings to the community and assured them of his return to commission the completed road project. “Go ahead, use the road. It is for you. God bless you,” he declared.
The founder Unubiko Foundation, Chief James Ume, in his remarks, described the Ekponiboro Festival as a cultural inheritance that honours the struggles, triumphs, strengths and exploits of their ancestors.
“This tradition left behind by our fathers symbolises who we are and where we came from,” he said.
He traced the historical roots of the Ekponiboro Festival to the days when Abam served as the last seaport for all the old Bende villages. He explained that communities such as Bende, Igbere, and Arochukwu once converged in Abam to move their goods to major trading posts like Calabar and Lagos, before returning at year’s end to celebrate with the symbolic Ekponikpo boat—an age-old tradition being kept alive through the festival.
He thanked Governor Otti for supporting the event and for allowing the state government to officially endorse the programme. Ume also appreciated the Commissioner for Arts and Culture and praised the government’s efforts in infrastructural development and cultural preservation, especially in Abam.
“We are proud of what you are doing in Abia State, particularly in Abam. We are most, most grateful, sir,” he added.
Describing the festival as one for joy and unity, Chief Ume warmly welcomed all guests to the event.
“This event is for merriment. My uncle Jones would say it’s for toppings. We have a lot of toppings for everybody,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd
Additionally, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuruibe, stressed the importance of preserving cultural heritage, warning that a people’s identity is lost when their language and traditions fade.
He commended the organiser and called on other communities to celebrate and preserve their cultural legacies saying this should serve as a symbol to other communities in Abia to celebrate their traditions and preserve their culture,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, Member representing Ohafia/Arochukwu Federal House Constituency,Hon. Ibe Osonwa and others hailed Chief James Ume for his initiative, expressing hope that future editions of the festival would be even more elaborate.
Abia Governor Hails Abam Culture At 2025 Ekponiboro Festival is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
