NEWS
DOGO BENDE, ONWA NTIGHA, TOP DIGNITARIES STORM ABAM AS EKPONIBRO FESTIVAL IGNITES CULTURE, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND GLOBAL AMBITION IN ABIA
…as Unubiko Foundation Deepens Commitment to Heritage, Education, and Human Capital Development
Prominent dignitaries, policymakers, and community stakeholders, including the Abia Chief Liaison Officer, Hon. Iheanyi Chinasa (Dogo Bende), and the Member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Rep. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe (Onwa Ntigha), on Saturday converged at Atan Abam in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State for the 2026 Ekponibro Cultural Festival, in a grand display of unity, culture, and progressive vision.
The high-profile gathering witnessed the presence of top government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, and development partners, all united by a shared commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Abam Onyurubi people while advancing key sectors such as education, healthcare, and human capital development.
The festival, organised by the Unubiko Foundation under the leadership of Chief James Chijioke Ume (Ike Abam Onyerubi), was widely described as a celebration of identity and heritage, highlighting the deep historical foundations of the Abam Onyurubi people of Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State and their contributions to society.
Representing the Governor of Abia State, Chief Ume expressed appreciation to both the local and expanded organising committees for their dedication and consistent support towards the success of the cultural event.
“I want to thank everybody, particularly the local organizing committee. Thank you all for your support for identifying continually with this program,” he said.
In a forward-looking directive, he also assigned the chairman of the occasion, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, the responsibility of securing international recognition for the festival through UNESCO endorsement.
“My dear leader, both political and spiritual. Thank you for volunteering to chair this event, and he is the live chairman of this ebony book.
We’re giving you one assignment. To get UNESCO to endorse this event, it is your responsibility to ensure that this happens,” he said.
Chief Ume further announced the successful conclusion of the Unubiko Foundation’s 2026 scholarship scheme, underscoring its inclusivity and far-reaching impact across Abia State, with an ambitious plan for expansion to benefit more students from Abam.
“Yesterday, we concluded our 2026 scholarship scheme. We have 500 students from across the state, all in the pool scholarship of Unubiko Foundation.
“And by next year, we’re expanding it to the whole of Abam. Everybody from Abam who is an undergraduate will have automatic acceptance in our scholarship scheme,” he said.
Also lending strong legislative backing to the initiative, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Meregini, reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to sustaining the festival.
“Ekpenibro has come to stay. It is a celebration of culture. A culture and an event that reminds us of where we are coming from, the roots of what has happened over the years.
“On behalf of the members of the 8th Assembly and by the direct authorization of Mr. Speaker, the 8th Assembly stands to support this programme.
“We want to pledge that we will continue to be associated with Ekponibro because it is an event that promotes the foundation of ABAM Onyurubi,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the future of the festival, Hon. Meregini added:
“We know that as we have participated in this year’s program, just as we did in last year’s program, we are optimistic that we will be here next year.
“And it is our prayer that everybody who is here for this year’s program will also be part of next year’s program,” he added.
He also commended the founder of the Unubiko Foundation for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to community development.
“We graciously commend the founder and president of the Unubiko foundation, Chief James Ume, who from all indications is the anchor behind this whole beautiful event,” he said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, highlighted the strategic importance of the festival in positioning Abia State as a cultural hub on the global stage.
He praised the event for showcasing the richness of Abia’s cultural heritage and expressed optimism that such initiatives would attract international recognition and tourism opportunities.
Ekwuribe further noted that the state government is actively pursuing the enlistment of its cultural assets on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list, as part of broader efforts to promote and preserve indigenous traditions.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Engr. Christopher Okoro, appreciated the organisers and participants for contributing to the success of the event, noting its impact on youth development and societal growth.
“Events like this do not only preserve our heritage but also inspire the younger generation to value education, innovation, and community development.
“We are proud to be part of this noble initiative and look forward to stronger collaborations that will benefit our students and the broader society,” he said.
The 2026 Ekponibro Cultural Festival ultimately reinforced critical themes of cultural pride, philanthropy, and strategic collaboration between government institutions and community-driven organisations.
Chief Ume’s sustained interventions through the Unubiko Foundation, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare, were widely applauded as exemplary models of impactful leadership and grassroots transformation.
Participants expressed strong optimism that Abia State’s ongoing cultural renaissance, backed by both the executive and legislative arms of government, will continue to foster unity, drive sustainable development, and elevate the s
tate’s global cultural visibility in the years ahead.