Ndoki Communtiy Celebrates Cultural Festival

The people of Obeakpu Ndoki Community in Oyigbo Local Government Area, weekend ended this year’s celebration of the Ekpe Masquerade festival with lots of colourful displays which thrilled the people.

The Masquerade which is very popular among the people of the area took off on Wednesday last week.

Speaking at the occasion the traditional ruler of Umunihueze, HRH. Eze Nwaeke Sylvanus, the Ononankume VI of Umunihueze, said that the Ekpe Festival had been in existence from time in memorial, and it showcases the culture and heritage of the people of Obeakpu, Ndoki, adding that the Ekpe masquerade was designed to bring all the people of the community together.

He also stated that each masquerade represents each of the age grades, which enables the age grade masquerade to dance in front of the drummers with the particular age grade.

The age grade, he explained, are group of persons born during the same year, which makes them peers.

During the Ekpe period, there is always a lot to eat and drink in the community, and it is also a time when you get to see most of your brothers, sisters, friends or relatives that were unable to come home during christman season.

Some of the community members also stated that the Ekpe masquerade is a thing that gladdens their heart,but it also hurts because they have to enjoy it once in a year.

Chisom Ekeke