The good people of Emekuku Ancient Kingdom, Owerri North, Imo State, are gearing up for a big celebration.
This stems from the confirmation by Traditional Ruler of the Ancient Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Eze Obi Ejeshi (Ezeukwu Emekuku IV), of November 20, 2026 as the date for the second edition of the carnival leg of the annual Ugu-Uzo Emekuku Cultural Festival.
This confirmation follows the earlier announcement by the Chief Priest and Custodian of the Festival, Oha George Nnadi, that activities marking the month-long festival are to kick off on November 11, 2026, at the Nkwo Emeke traditional arena, with the usual rites and rituals.
The carnival-leg of the colourful cultural festival is the brainchild of a Committee headed by Barrister Chiedu Mezu, which was charged with proposing new and innovative ways of leveraging the age-long festival to gain a right-of-place in the culture and tourism calendar of Imo State and beyond.
During an interview with media representatives, Eze Obi Ejeshi explained that while Ugu-Uzo Emekuku is jointly celebrated by the original 10 villages of the old Emekuku, now comprising three autonomous communities, efforts to further promote the festival and attract the interest and presence of Culture and Tourism authorities and enthusiasts in Imo State and beyond, birthed the carnival leg, which is anchored by age groups within his autonomous community.
“It is our contribution to the growth and elevation of Ugu-Uzo”, he said, stressing that the carnival should be seen as the contribution of his own autonomous community to the elevation of a common cultural property of the original 10 villages of Emekuku.
In a notification letter to leaders of age groups jointly signed by Barrister Chiedu Mezu and Chief Chukwuma Ibe, and made available to the Media during the parley, the Organising Committee reiterated that the Carnival is designed to add flavour, variety and pizzazz to the month of festivities, and does not in any way negate the original and core values and schedule of the festival, as widely observed by the 10 villages of old Emekuku, under the custodianship of Oha George Nnadi.
In the letter titled ‘Letter of Notification/Reminder’, the Organising Committee stated that the carnival would once again bring together the various age groups, community leaders, and culture enthusiasts in the Ancient Kingdom of Emekuku, to celebrate the rich heritage, traditions and identity of Emekuku.
The Committee explained that the second edition of the carnival is intended to build on the success of the inaugural edition in 2025, which saw various age groups gather at the premises of Emekuku High School, decked in distinct and colourful uniforms, to sing, dance and make merry, in furtherance of a centuries-old tradition.
Eze Obi Ejeshi pointed out that what sets Ugu-Uzo Emekuku apart is that while many other festivals are typically celebrated on one day, Ugu-Uzo Emekuku is a month-long festival with exciting multiple legs, starting with the “Ike Ugu” (flag-off) ceremony conducted by Oha George Nnadi and other elders and community leaders at Nkwo Emeke. He further informed members of the Media that the festival is so rich in rites and rituals, starting with the presentation of the costume of the Chief Priest to him and his entourage, by the Traditional Ruler, in his palace, in the morning of the day of flag-off.
He added that the beauty of the festival is not only in its richness in rituals, songs and folklore, but also in its accommodation and elasticity, which allows contemporary events to be woven into the songs, and which, also, allows Emekuku people anywhere in the world to gather and celebrate within the one month period, as often as they please.
He assured that as was the case last year, this year’s carnival at Emekuku High School would be graced by relevant Government representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, culture and tourism enthusiasts from far and wide, as well as the Media.
It was emphasised that possession of weapons at the venue of the carnival is strictly forbidden, except by authorised members of the Emekuku Vigilante and security agencies.
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