Igbo culture takes center stage as Obiuno Development Union celebrates new year

Chukwuemeka Okoye, Abuja

Obiuno Development Union (ODU), Abuja Branch, kicked off its 2025 meetings in grand style on Sunday, as members gathered for a vibrant cultural celebration that showcased the rich heritage of the Igbo community.

According to the Chairman of the Igbo socio-cultural group, Mr. Lawrence Umennajiuba, the event was a cherished tradition that fosters unity and love while also serving as an opportunity to express gratitude to God for His numerous blessings.

Umennajiuba highlighted the importance of the ODU meetings as a platform for strengthening brotherhood.

He cited an incident where two individuals, unaware of their shared ancestry, were involved in a car accident that led them to a police station. Upon discovering their kinship, they withdrew the case and settled the matter amicably.

The Chairman also lamented the decline of Igbo cultural values, attributing it largely to the failure of parents—especially mothers—to pass down the language and traditions to their children.

“Fathers bear some responsibility, but mothers play a more significant role because they spend more time with the children,” he stated.

He urged the revival of Igbo culture and encouraged active participation in socio-cultural groups like ODU.

“Other ethnic groups in Nigeria continue to uphold their traditions, but we have neglected ours. Our culture is rich and worthy of emulation. It is the symbol of our pride, and we must preserve it,” he added.

The event was attended by men, women, and children, who were treated to a variety of traditional delicacies, including rice with ofe akwu, swallows with ofe onugbu, and an assortment of drinks.

The atmosphere was lively, with traditional music filling the air as attendees took to the dance floor, moving rhythmically to the beats played by the DJ.

One of the highlights of the gathering was a language showcase, where young participants demonstrated their proficiency in Igbo, adding excitement to the celebration.

Additionally, Chuks Ezeifeka, a member of the association, delivered a health talk on managing stress through natural remedies.

He pointed out that men suffer more from stress-related illnesses than women, emphasizing the need for proper mental health management.

A traditional Igbo custom, Ike Anụ—where meat is shared from the eldest to the youngest—was also observed, reinforcing the community’s deep-rooted heritage.

ODU is an association of indigenes from the villages that make up Obiuno, a town in Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.