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By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
It was an exhibition of colours and tradition as the people of Anambra state residing within the length and breath of Cross River gathered penultimate Sunday the seventh of December 2025 to merry and unwind in appreciation and thanksgiving for what God has done in their lives and that of their families.
It was a gathering of both the “timber and caterpillar” from the academia, industrialists, scholars, women and children as well as special guests.
And the atmospheres was charged as different local government areas that made the Ogbako Anambra were all prepared for the celebration in their different canopies. Both the men, women and children were looking beautiful as well as colourful in their attire, glittering and painted the whole venue ready for this great celebration.
This great event with the theme “Prioritizing our potential for greater tomorrow” took place at the Management Development Institute, Mary Slessor, Calabar, Cross River state.
It was a moment of reunion, forgiveness and love among members of Ogbako Anambra. “You could see exchange of pleasantries, you could see love, you could see unity, you could see what the future has for Ogbako Anambra.”
“Sincerely, there was mutual respect and due processes towards each and everyone that deserved to be honoured. Things were made easy as the Masters of ceremony and the Central Planning Committee members followed due processes.”
Most importantly, every sons and daughters of Ogbako Anambra earned the same respect as the ceremony continued. There was order and decurom from the start of the event till the end.
The event proper commenced with opening prayers offered by Venerable John Uka, followed by the presentation of the traditional “iwa oji” which the Eze Igbo, Cross River state, Eze, Sir E. A. Ezenwenyi mandated the “Onowu, Sir Livinus Emeka Ihezie, to offer prayers to the gods.
This presentation was gladly accepted by all that attended the ceremony as the kolanut was duly shared for people to eat.
Declaring the event open, the chairman of the occasion, Sir. (Pharm) Obi Oyeka, welcomed every one especially the Royal Fathers of the day, Special guests of honour and guests of Honour to the ceremony.
He thanked God for the gift of life unto us and for providing the enabling environment for us to gather referencing Psalm 133″.
Also, he expressed gratitude to the President and entire leadership of Ogbako Anambra for the privilege granted him to chair this occasion.
He therefore commend the present leadership for setting up the agenda for the construction of a befitting Civic Center for Ogbako Anambra in Cross River state consolidating previous gains and opening a window for new achievements.
According to him, “I am hopeful that movement in this direction will usher us into the Ogbako of our dream.”
He challenged each and everyone to gear up to positively contribute for the common good and let us do it again.
In his welcome address, the President General, Ogbako Anambra Calabar, Prof. Charles Ezechukwu Anyanechi, had acknowledged the presence of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Cross River state, Sen Apostle Bassey Otu, traditional rulers, esteemed elders as well as special guests to the occasion.
According to him, “since inception, decades ago, Ogbako Anambra Calabar had become an Assembly, forum or organization and rallying point for Anambra state indigenes living in Calabar and its environs.”
“From 1999, Ogbako Anambra has grown into a distinguished union comprising of 15 affiliate/component associations impacting lives and shaping the future of our people, he said “.
The theme for this year’s celebration he said is tagged “Prioritizing our potential for greater tomorrow” perfectly captures the spirit of the event.
The event will feature cultural displays, award recognition, fundraising and moment of togetherness as the ceremony went on.
He described the event as a reminder of our rich cultural heritage, the foundation laid by our visionary pioneers, the sacrifices of our leaders and the commitment of our members who have made Ogbako Anambra Calabar what it is today. He acknowledged the foundational work of the pioneers whose vision and perseverance laid the strong foundation upon which today’s success is built’.
Therefore, he said, “it calls for attention to the future, our aspirations, achievements and crowns of success we continue to build upon the strong foundation. It is a call to responsibility, to honour the legacy we have received and empowering the generation to dream bigger, achieve more and aim higher”.
He prayed for the repose of the soul of the Secretary General, late Barrister Cletus Arinze Chidozie Efifie who died on October 4th, 2025.
The President General also thanked the host community for their accommodation, friendship and hospitality particularly their leaders, His Excellency Sen Apostle Bassey Otu, Rt. Hon. James k. Anam, Mayor of Calabar Municipality, Hon. Patrick Archibong, chairman of Calabar South, His Eminence , the Obong of Calabar, His Royal Majesty, the Ndidem of Qua Nation and His Royal Majesty, the Muri Munene of the Efut Nation
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Earlier , the President General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Cross River state, who doubled as Special guest of Honour, Hon. High Chief Chukwuemeka Egwuonwu (Ksm), with the Special Assistant to the governor on Non-indeges Mazi Okey Maduekwe jointly expressed joy that peace had returned amongst the Igbos in Calabar Cross River state.
They enjoined the Ogbako Anambra to embrace peace which attracts progress among the people.
According to them, “the state governor, Sen Apostle Bassey Otu is glad over this development. We need peace to the economy of this state as well as our businesses in Cross River.
The President General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo and the SA had earlier, extended greetings to all the chapters that made Ogbako Anambra, sharing moment of togetherness.
The highlight of the occasion was the fundraising among the Awardees and other guests during the ceremony.
The Awardees are, Chief Goddy Ugochukwu Nwokeji, Compt. (Sir) Anthony Ikechukwu Udenze (ALUSI NANDO THE ORACLE ) Evang Rufus Umeojiaku and Sir Felix Ekemezie Okoli. Others include, Pharm Sir Obiora Samuel Oyeka, Comr. Edwin Okwunwanne, Okechukwu Nkwonta (Nwachikwadolu na Awgbu) and Nnamdi Victor Madubuko.
The Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Barrister (Dr) Sam Chuma Eboh had graciously thanked the guests for honouring their invitation as well as donating towards the building of the Ogbako Anambra civic center in Cross State.
