Anambra Community Celebrates Octogenarians

The Obosi community in Anambra State has celebrated 180 of its people who had clocked between 80 years and 82 years of age.

The celebration, locally referred to as “Ito-Ogbo’’ and held under the aegis of “Udokamma’’ age grade, drew well-wishers from across the country.

Ito-ogbo, a traditional celebration of octogenarians of Obosi kingdom is held triennially and attracts all sons and daughters of the land to celebrate the gift of longevity to the community.

The celebrants receive title of “Ogbueshi Nwoke’’ for men and “Ogbueshi Nwanyi’’ for the women who are immediately exempted from paying taxes and participating actively in community service.

The Corps Marshall of the FRSC and traditional chief of Obosi community, Mr Osita Chidoka, told newsmen at the ceremony that the celebration was worth all the efforts put in place.

“Ito-ogbo festival is significant in the life every Obosi man or woman; it is the time to celebrate the age grade that have come to the age of 80.

“It is time to celebrate them while they are alive. As you can see, the Obosi culture is on display and the town is bubbling and alive.’’

According to Chidoka, “Ito Ogbo’’ celebration is significant because a good number of people are seen to have finished their active work in the community.

The celebration was accentuated by various cultural dances and displays, including those from other cultures like the Efik of Cross River and itinerant Yoruba drummers.

Declaring the celebration open, the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka III said the Ito Ogbo was an age-long event to which people looked forward to witness.

He said that the 2012 edition of the celebration was adequately packaged, providing medical services for celebrants and guests.

“All registered members of the Udokamma age grade from today, March 17, 2012 are declared senior citizens of Obosi kingdom.

“Every member from today henceforth shall be addressed with the title: Ogbueshi and every Ogbueshi is entitled to wear the red cap,’’ he said.

Also, the governor of Anambra, Dr Peter Obi, commended the efforts of the community in ensuring that the Ito-ogbo festival for 2012 was well celebrated.

He said that it was a blessing for people to live up to the age of 80 years and that those who did should be celebrated.

Some of the celebrants who spoke to newsmen expressed joy for attaining the age of 80 and for witnessing the Ito-ogbo in their lifetime.

Mrs Christy Orakpo, one of the celebrants, said it was fulfilling for her to have witnessed the event, adding that God would continue to keep her mates to witness the next celebration.