Gov. Otti Champions Heritage and Agriculture at Ekponibro Festival

Abia State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has emphasized the irreplaceable role of culture in sustaining society, warning that any community that loses its traditions is bound to collapse.

Speaking at the 2025 Ekponibro Cultural Festival (Ugbo Nmiri Nma) held at Etiti Abam Primary School, Atani Abam, in Arochukwu Local Government Area, Governor Otti celebrated the rich heritage of the Abam people. The festival, organized by the UNUBIKO Foundation in partnership with the Abia State Government, drew large crowds and dignitaries from across the State.

“This speaks to our tradition and culture. Any society that loses its tradition and culture is gone,” the Governor declared. “In the olden days, societies began to die the moment they abandoned their roots and culture, slipping into bondage and slavery.”

Governor Otti praised the Abam community for preserving their heritage and commended the UNUBIKO Foundation for spearheading the event. “My prayer is that God will replenish your source a millionfold,” he told the Foundation.

The Governor also used the platform to advocate for a return to agriculture, describing it as the “true stomach infrastructure.”
“You may plant in tears but reap in joy. If you’ve not been serious with farming, now is the time.

God blesses the work in your hands — and farming is a divine gift requiring little toil but yielding great rewards,” Otti urged.

He thanked the Abam community for supporting ongoing government projects, highlighting that the new roads connecting communities would soon be officially commissioned, describing them as “wings to fly.”

Governor Otti’s rallying cry to safeguard tradition and embrace agriculture signals a broader vision of a culturally rich, economically prosperous Abia State.

In his remarks, Abia State Commissioner for Culture and Creative Economy, Dr. Matthew Ekwuruibe, lauded Governor Otti for his attention to all sectors, particularly culture and heritage. He also praised Chief James Ume, founder of the UNUBIKO Foundation, for sponsoring the festival and pledged continued collaboration across the State.

In his address,Chief James Ume appreciated Governor Otti for the State’s endorsement and his personal attendance. He explained that the Ekponibro Festival celebrates the struggles and triumphs of Abam’s sea-faring ancestors who braved storms, wild animals, and hostile territories to trade agricultural products such as cocoa, kernels, and palm oil.

Similarly, Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, Rector of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, underscored the theme of this year’s festival, “Long May They Reign,” as a tribute to the resilience and spirit of their forefathers.

The event, chaired by Mazi Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji (Ugwu Aro), drew top political leaders, captains of industry, and notable dignitaries, including the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa; representatives of former Governor Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu; Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa; Hon. Okenze Ginger Onwusibe; Deputy Speaker Hon. Austin Okezie Nmeregini; Mayor of Arochukwu LGA, Engr. Dr. Chibuike Eze Aru; among many others.