Asaga village retained the first position at the 2021 Eke Ekpe Aro thus winning it for a record fourth consecutive time.
The event, which is the last to be organised by the George Ezuma-led administration turned out a huge success.
Umu Aro from all walks of life, dressed in their gorgeous attires, started trooping into the Amaikpe arena from about to 2 pm to witness the display of various dances, masquerades and other forms of entertainment presented by the 19 villages. Though September 19, 2021 was a Sunday, people came out in their numbers to witness the rich display of Aro culture.
The event proper commenced with the rendition of Aro national anthem. Thereafter, recognition of special guests and opening remarks by the event chairman, Prof M N Oti, Special Guest of Honour, Amb. Chijioke Chiedozie (Dozzman) and others.
Onye Arianzu Arochukwu, Mazi Kanu Okoro, accompanied by Ndi Eze, performed the mandatory Igor ofor Ikeji, followed by the unveiling of Ikeji brochure by the special guests.
The Nkuii competition was introduced with Mrs. Angela Ihebinandu emerging the star prize winner. For her efforts, she went home with the sum of N100,000.
Iri ji by the various villages equally added pep to an already exciting evening.
The duo of Barr Kings Nwosu and Mazi Zulu Ofoelue had the task of adjudging the best performance.
Each village was given ten minutes to entertain. Basking in the euphoria of its victory at Nkwo Ekpe Ibom Isii the previous day, Agbagwu held the guests spell bound with their scintillating performance. Asaga, as usual, did not disappoint with the performance while Amannagwu stormed Eke Ekpe with a rebranded Amarigwe dance.
Amankwu presented Mmanwu Ndi Arondizuogu; Amukwa displayed with their Obioma troupe while Isimkpu brought their Ekete Nsi, which literally electrified the arena. There was also a special appearance by the Ohafia war dance.
The Police, Army and the personnel of Arochukwu Neigbourhood Security Watch, had a Herculean task controlling the surging crowd.
Telecommunication giants – MTN, one of the event sponsors – gave out several prizes to those that visited their stand.
At the end of the cultural displays, Asaga village was declared winners of the Eke Ekpe competition; Agbagwu and Amannagwu emerged first and second runners up respectively.
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