Nnewi, the birth place of many globally acclaimed names like Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Chief Kingsley Moughalu, MercedesBenz, Chief Cletus Ibeto, Sen Dr Ifeanyi Ubah, wee diri gawa, celebrates its unique cultural heritage and event every last Wednesday to Saturday of August yearly, to give thanks to Edo, the Goddess of Nnewi and Anaedo for a successful planting season and earmarks the start of a bountiful harvest
This is the most important holiday in Nnewi as Ndi Nnewi usually travel back home to celebrate with friends and family even as the neighboring towns and expatriates, troop in to join in the festivities which is usually accompanied by a host of sporting events like football, table tennis alongside lots of showbiz entertainment across all quarters of Nnewi
As a real OON (Original Onye Nnewi), His Excellency, Sen Dr Ifeanyi Ubah has always been around to join his brothers and sisters in this remarkable and joyful celebration and this year, wasn't any different as he came in from Abuja yesterday and was present through the official ceremonial rites marking the start of Afiaolu officially which is done by the Igwe of Nnewi, Obi Uruagu, Obi Umudim and Obi Nnewichi together which sees all the Obis, officially flagging off the celebration in his quarter and thus, the celebration swings into full gear
This year's main event was the Traditional Wrestling exhibition amongst the 4 quarters of Nnewi namely:
Otolo
Uruagu
Umudim
Nnewichi
The Traditional Wrestling exhibition alongside the colorful masquerades and other activities were a marvel to behold even as Ebubechukwu Uzo Nnewi reiterated his commitment to Cultural Tourism and development of the sector for content export and monetisation just as we see in Brazil, China and the US. It is on record that Ikemba Igbonine is a fervent supporter of the protection, preservation and exhibition of our colorful, rich and unique culture and traditions to the world because that's what makes us Ndi Igbo and stands us out from the rest of the world
Afiaolu Nnewi continues today with masquerades and other amazing activities kicking off today across the 4 quarters of Nnewi simultaneously so if you are not in Nnewi, make out time and come and enjoy rich cultural heritage
Afiaolu Nnewi 2021 will end on Saturday, 28th August which traditionally marks the end of the year and the start of a new one.