Okpoma Village Celebrates 2026 Cultural Festival, Commissions Modern Health Centre

By Wilson Ogbonnaya Okereke,Abakaliki

It was a moment of joy, reflection and renewed unity as the people of Okpoma Village gathered at the Onicha Igboeze Cultural Centre in Onicha Local Government Area to celebrate their 2026 Okpoma Day festival, climaxed by the commissioning of a newly upgraded health centre. The colourful event, held under the leadership of Mr. Francis Udochukwu, attracted a mammoth crowd of indigenes, government officials and well-wishers from within and outside the community.

Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of Okpoma Development Union (ODU), Mr. Francis Udochukwu, described Okpoma Day as a time for reflection, thanksgiving and unity among the sons and daughters of the village. “Okpoma Day is a time of reflection, a time of thanksgiving and a time of unity where sons and daughters return home to strengthen the bond of brotherhood that defines us as a people.

“We pay tribute to the wisdom of our forefathers, the resilience of our ancestors and the blessings of the land which God has graciously given to us — our culture, traditions and shared values remain the pillars upon which our community stands,” he said. He traced the historical evolution of the village from the colonial county council era through the post Nigeria/Biafra period when the Okpoma Progressive Union with six kindreds was formed, before metamorphosing into the present Okpoma Development Union comprising thirteen kindreds.

Highlighting some of the community’s achievements, Mr. Francis listed the establishment of a standard health centre, a community primary school, borehole projects and road construction, among others. Politically, he noted that Okpoma made significant strides during the 2003 general elections, producing a member of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly for Onicha West Constituency and a councillor for the then Ezeuka ward.

“Most notably, Okpoma also produced the first-ever Executive Chairman of Onicha LGA,” he added. He commended the people of the village for fostering peace and contributing generously towards the construction of the health facility, including the donation of medical equipment.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Christian Ikechukwu Onwe, explained that activities marking the celebration included a football competition, free medical outreach, commissioning of the health centre and presentation of merit awards. “Each aspect of the event tells a beautiful story — the story of a people who may face challenges but never give up, a people bound by love, guided by faith and driven by a shared dream of a better tomorrow.

“This is more than a celebration; it is a promise that together we will build an Okpoma where health thrives, where youths have hope and where unity remains our greatest strength,” he said. The Secretary of the Planning Committee, Dr. Ogbonnaya Uzor, praised the community for reviving the once-abandoned celebration, describing it as a strong unifying force. He noted that the festival, last celebrated in 1992, has now been institutionalised as an annual event. According to him, the construction of the health centre was driven by the need to provide accessible primary healthcare services to rural dwellers, while he expressed appreciation to government officials for gracing the commissioning ceremony.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Amanato Ezeukwa Development Union, Chief Anoke Akpuru, applauded the village leadership for reviving the cultural festival and facilitating the completion of the health project. The President of Onicha Development Union (ODU), Mr. Daniel Igodo, expressed delight over the successful commissioning of the centre built through communal efforts and urged other wards to emulate Okpoma’s developmental stride. Representing the Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Philip Emeka Ovuoba, the Administrative Secretary of the agency, Mr. Festus Nkwuda, commended the leadership of Okpoma for prioritising the welfare of the people. “It is interesting to know that the facility, upgraded from a health post to a health centre, is being commissioned today. This intervention has automatically brought medical services to the doorsteps of the people. “The government will also play its part by posting trained health workers and ensuring the facility is properly equipped,” he assured, while urging residents and neighbouring communities to patronise the centre.

Meanwhile, merit awards were presented to distinguished personalities, including the Senator representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District, Senator Professor Anthony Okorie Ani, and former Chairman of Onicha LGA, Hon. Chidiebere Uzor, in recognition of their contributions to the development of Okpoma. Posthumous honours were also conferred on Late Hon. Chigbo Uzor and Late Elder Igboke Chukwu for their enduring legacies in the community. The 2026 Okpoma Day celebration ended on a high note, with renewed commitment by the people to sustain unity, cultural heritage and grassroots development in the village.