In this piece, Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka, Our Managing Editor writes that culture came alive in spectacular fashion at Ekwueme Square, Awka, when the people of Umunze, the headquarters of Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State, brought one of their most cherished cultural symbols, Akwa Ugo Akwa Eke, before a gathering of dignitaries and visitors from across the state. The colourful masquerade did more than entertain; it offered a vivid reminder that the identity, history and traditions of a people remain powerful instruments of unity, pride and cultural promotion. Just go through the excerpts.
The occasion, which marked the visit of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Anambra State, provided a fitting platform for the rich cultural heritage of the state to be showcased.
Among the cultural displays that attracted attention was Akwa Ugo Akwa Eke, the beautiful and entertaining traditional masquerade from Umunze. The appearance of the masquerade was made possible through the initiative of the Mayor of Orumba South Local Government Area, Hon. Shedrack N. Azubuike, who invited Akwa Ugo Akwa Eke to Ekwueme Square as part of the colourful activities marking the occasion.
For Umunze, however, the appearance was much more than an ordinary cultural performance. It was an opportunity to place the community’s identity, tradition and heritage on a larger stage and to remind the audience that behind every masquerade is a story of a people, their ancestors, their values and their way of life.
Whenever Akwa-Ugo Akwa-Eke graces an occasion, it arrives with an unmistakable combination of beauty, energy, entertainment and cultural symbolism. Its colourful appearance and captivating performance immediately command attention, making it one of the traditional expressions through which Umunze continues to celebrate and project its heritage.
At Ekwueme Square in Awake, the masquerade once again lived up to that reputation and expectations. Its spectacular performance generated excitement and admiration, as it proudly represented Umunze before dignitaries, government officials, traditional institutions and visitors who gathered for the important occasion.
Beyond the entertainment, Akwa-Ugo Akwa-Eke became a moving cultural statement. Its presence demonstrated how traditional institutions, masquerades, festivals, music and indigenous performances can be used to preserve cultural identity while simultaneously introducing that identity to people beyond the immediate community.
The intervention of Mayor Azubuike also underscored the importance of leadership in preserving and promoting indigenous culture. By creating an opportunity for Akwa-Ugo Akwa-Eke to perform before such a distinguished audience, he provided Umunze with a platform to showcase one of the cultural treasures associated with the community.
In an era when globalisation and modern lifestyles are rapidly changing the way communities interact with their traditions, cultural displays such as Akwa-Ugo Akwa-Eke serve as important reminders of where people come from. They help younger generations appreciate their roots while giving outsiders an opportunity to understand and admire the uniqueness of the community.
For Umunze, Akwa-Ugo Akwa-Eke therefore represents more than a masquerade. It is a symbol of communal pride, cultural continuity and traditional creativity. Each appearance becomes an opportunity to tell the Umunze story without necessarily using words.
The colourful outing at Ekwueme Square was consequently another significant moment in the continuing effort to promote Umunze culture. With its captivating performance, Akwa Ugo Akwa Eke succeeded in transforming an official gathering into an occasion where culture took centre stage.
Indeed, when Akwa-Ugo Akwa-Eke dances, Umunze speaks. When it appears in its full splendour, the community’s history and cultural pride come alive. And at Ekwueme Square, before a distinguished audience, Umunze once again used its treasured masquerade to send a simple but powerful message to the world: our culture is our identity, and our identity is worth celebrating.
