Obosi community in Anambra celebrates octogenarians
The Obosi community in Anambra State on Saturday 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, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
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 the title of ‘Ogbueshi Nwoke’ for men and ‘Ogbueshi Nwanyi’ for the women. They are immediately exempted from paying taxes and participating actively in community service.
The Corps Marshall of the FRSC and a traditional chief in Obosi community, Mr. Osita Chidoka, told NAN 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,” he said.
NAN reports that the celebration was accentuated by various cultural dances and displays, including those from other cultures like the Efik of Cross River State and itinerant Yoruba drummers.
Declaring the celebration, the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka III, said the Ito Ogbo was an age-long event to which people looked forward.
Also, Anambra State Governor 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 hosts and hostesses, who spoke to NAN, expressed joy for attaining the age of 80 and for witnessing the Ito-ogbo in their lifetime.
One of them, Mrs. Christy Orakpo, 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.
She advised that young people should ensure that they lived a good life as it was the route to longevity.
Also, another host, Chief Felix Gbuemobi, said, “I am happy, am part of those celebrating this year’s Ito-ogbo. I was there when my parents did theirs some years ago before they later died; today, I am doing same. I pray that my children and grandchildren will live to witness this.”
Source: http://www.punchng.com
The celebration, locally referred to as ‘Ito-Ogbo’ and held under the aegis of ‘Udokamma’ age grade, drew well-wishers from across the country, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
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 the title of ‘Ogbueshi Nwoke’ for men and ‘Ogbueshi Nwanyi’ for the women. They are immediately exempted from paying taxes and participating actively in community service.
The Corps Marshall of the FRSC and a traditional chief in Obosi community, Mr. Osita Chidoka, told NAN 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,” he said.
NAN reports that the celebration was accentuated by various cultural dances and displays, including those from other cultures like the Efik of Cross River State and itinerant Yoruba drummers.
Declaring the celebration, the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka III, said the Ito Ogbo was an age-long event to which people looked forward.
Also, Anambra State Governor 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 hosts and hostesses, who spoke to NAN, expressed joy for attaining the age of 80 and for witnessing the Ito-ogbo in their lifetime.
One of them, Mrs. Christy Orakpo, 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.
She advised that young people should ensure that they lived a good life as it was the route to longevity.
Also, another host, Chief Felix Gbuemobi, said, “I am happy, am part of those celebrating this year’s Ito-ogbo. I was there when my parents did theirs some years ago before they later died; today, I am doing same. I pray that my children and grandchildren will live to witness this.”
Source: http://www.punchng.com
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