Ogwashi-ukwu dance carnival...........''.Promoting the image of Ogwashi-uku through culture and dance''
Ogwashi-Uku is one of the major communities in ANIOMA region of Delta state of Nigeria, The people of Ogwashi-Ukwu speak Enuani dialect
Ogwashi-Ukwu means ‘’Palace of the great king’’ Ogwashi-Ukwu is also the headquarter of Aniocha South Local Government Area
Ogwashi-Ukwu is one of the most p
opular ancient communities in Nigeria. The paramount ruler of Ogwashi-Ukwu Kingdom is called ‘’Obi’’ and the current king is Obi Professor Chukwuka Okonjo
The people of Ogwashi-Ukwu were mainly farmers, however with western education a lot of indigenes from Ogwashi-Ukwu have since diversified into various businesses and industrial civilization, with a population of well over Ninety thousand stretched across the globe. The Traditional attire of the people of Ogwashi-Uku kingdom is called ‘’AKWA-OCHA’’ (meaning white cloth)
Ogwashi-Ukwu over the years has produced so many famous Nigerian personalities in different human endeavours, some of these famous people from Ogwashi-Ukwu, includes:
A. Dr Ngozi Okonjo –Iweala Finance Minister Federal Rep of Nigeria , a Royal Princess
C. Chief Enuhai, the Chairman CEO of Cakasa Group of Companies, with vested shares interest in several Business Conglomerate both in Nigeria and outside Nigeria
D. The World famous Football Legend, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha
E. 1984 Olympic Gold medallist, Peter Konyegwachie
F. A C Okocha of the famous Okocha Motors in Nigeria resident at Abuja
G. High Chief Mike Nwaukoni, a Business Mogul with business investment in Marine, shipping, manufacturing, oil and gas
H. Honourable Dr Felix Tony Nwaka, Commissoner for special duties Delta-state, Nigeria
I. Barrister Mrs Sally Mbanefo , DG NTDC Abuja
J. Nollywood successful actor, Peter Bunor
K. International fashion designer, Frank Richard Osodi of the famous ‘’House of Bunor’’ resident in Lagos Nigeria
L. Chris Uwaje, President institute of software practitioners of Nigeria
M. Professor Ogwude, past VC Futo, Owerri
N. Dr Mrs Mogekwu, Rector Ogwashi-Ukwu Polytechnic
and several other Brilliant and great sons and daughters too numerous to mention in here
Ogwashi-ukwu Carnival is the Brain child and concept of a diligent daughter of Ogwashi-Ukwu, Anthonia Oguah, she conceived the idea of a Dance Carnival in the year 2010 to promote the image of Ogwashhi-Ukwu in order to enhance unity, love, and progress of the community as well as to help sustain the Cultural heritage of the people of Ogwashi-ukwu. The Carnival which is a new concept in entertainment has since helped to awaken the spirit of corporation and brotherhood in Ogwashi-ukwu as a lot of indigenes are more culturally aware of the December event which has also helped to promote oneness especially amongst participants each year
Ogwashi-Ukwu carnival is indeed a unique carnival and one of the striking uniqueness of the Dance Carnival is the creative ingenuity of the initiator through the use of Akwa-Ocha fused with modern Carnival paraphernalia to produce a brilliant Carnival costume like never seen anywhere else in the world
Akwa-Ocha is the famous traditional attire worn during important occasions by the Enuani people of Delta-state which includes Ogwashi-Ukwu Kingdom. The dance carnival since 2010 has helped to put the image of Ogwashi-Ukwu back on the spotlight, as many surrounding communities in Delta –state and outside Delta state excitedly part- takes in the Carnival in solidarity
DIVIDENDS......
The Dividends accrued since 2010 are enormous in terms of physical development and progress made in so many areas in the community. We shall however, limit the dividends to Artisans, transporters, food vendors, Hoteliers in Ogwashi-Ukwu and its environ who all look forward to the fun filled event each year due to the bumper sales, and increase in income and patronage, the event helps to generate, thereby creating an enabling opportunity for empowerment, wealth creation as well as redefining the social life of the community
The dance Carnival have become a life style of the people of Ogwashi, and Delta state in general. The dance carnival
features a variety of Cultural dances, masquarde display, carnival floats , and lots of other attractions that includes:
I. The Street Jamz Party ( which is the Disco night)
II. The costume display
III. The cultural display
IV. Children’s Christmas party
V. Okanga dance competition
VI. The Masquerade display (olobor Festival)
VII. Red Carpet Reunion Dinner party (A melting point for sons and daughters to discuss about the general progress of the community)
Ogwashi-Ukwu is a fast growing community, hopefully with hard work and the right sponsorship to sustain this laudable event Ogwashi-Ukwu indigenes will enjoy the Dance Carnival for a very long time to come and this will help to hasten development someday soon
OGWASHI-UKWU CARNIVAL: ‘’Time will Tell’’
Every great accomplishment is at first impossible……we must keep hope alive
TRUSTEES OF OGWASHI-UKU CARNIVAL
Henry Okolie. ikelike Ogwashi
Edozie Chuks Alphonsus Azungwu
Mike Nwankwo
Barrister Uche Nwulu From Ugboko
Pat Uwam Umudei
Anaziah Emeka Agidiase
Dac Chukwurah Umudei
Anthonia Oguah Azungwu
God bless you
God bless Ogwashi-Ukwu Kingdom
God bless Delta State
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
In God we trust
You are invited.
