By Ita Williams, Calabar
The 2025 Anambra Day Celebration in Calabar unfolded in a spectacle of colour, culture and unity on Sunday, December 7, as Anambra indigenes residing across Cross River State gathered to give thanks, celebrate their heritage and strengthen communal ties.
The event, held at the Management Development Institute (MDI), Mary Slessor Avenue, Calabar, drew academics, industrialists, business men and women, traditional rulers, community leaders, youth and dignitaries from across the state.
This year’s celebration, themed “Prioritizing Our Potential for Greater Tomorrow,” was described by attendees as a moment of reunion, forgiveness and renewed commitment to collective progress.
Canopies adorned with traditional decorations represented the various local government areas that make up Ogbako Anambra. Men, women and children dressed in vibrant cultural attire added splendour to the already charged atmosphere.
“You could see the love, the unity, and a clear sense of what the future holds for Ogbako Anambra,” one attendee remarked. Another noted that the ceremony was marked by “mutual respect, order and decorum from start to finish.”
The ceremony opened with prayers by Venerable John Uka, followed by the traditional presentation of eya oji (kolanut).
The Eze Igbo of Cross River State, Sir E. A. Ezenwenyi, directed the Onowu, Sir Livinus Emeka Ihezie, to offer prayers to the ancestors. The kolanut was broken and shared among attendees, a gesture symbolizing unity, acceptance and goodwill.
Chairman of the occasion, Sir (Pharm) Obi Oyeka, welcomed traditional rulers, guests of honour and all participants, thanking God for the gift of life and “for providing the enabling environment for us to gather,” referencing Psalm 133.
He commended the leadership of Ogbako Anambra for initiating efforts toward constructing a civic centre for the union in Cross River State.
“I am hopeful that movement in this direction will usher us into the Ogbako of our dream,” he said, urging members to “positively contribute for the common good.”
In his address, the President General of Ogbako Anambra Calabar, Prof. Charles Ezechukwu Anyanechi, expressed gratitude to God, the state government, traditional institutions and the host community for their support.
He noted that Ogbako Anambra, founded decades ago, has served as a rallying point for Anambra indigenes living in Calabar.
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Since 1999, Ogbako Anambra has grown into a distinguished union comprising 15 affiliate associations impacting lives and shaping the future of our people,” he said.
Prof. Anyanechi opined that the theme of the celebration was a call to responsibility and vision. “It reminds us of the sacrifices of our pioneers and the commitment of our members. It is about honouring our legacy while empowering the next generation to dream bigger and achieve more.”
He also prayed for the repose of the late Secretary General, Barr. Cletus Arinze Chidozie Efifie, who passed away on October 4, 2025.
Special Guest of Honour and President General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Cross River State, High Chief Chukwuemeka Egwuonwu (KSM), expressed delight that peace had returned to the Igbo community in Cross River State.
“We need peace for the economy and for our businesses to thrive. The governor, His Excellency Sen. Apostle Bassey Otu, is glad about this development.”, he said.
In his goodwill message, alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Non-Indigenes Affairs, Mazi Okey Maduekwe, Mazi Okey Maduekwe, praised Ogbako Anambra leaders for consolidating on the gains made by the founding fathers to restore unity.
“I am very happy with what I saw today,” he said. “I will brief the Governor that peace has truly returned among the Igbos in Cross River State.”
According to him, the unity displayed at the celebration “shows that sanity and togetherness have been restored.” He described the Eze Igbo, Eze Sir E. A. Ezenwenyi, as “a great asset to humanity.”
Maduekwe also noted that the presence of Igbo leaders from other states indicated a broader sense of unity. “I have seen the Presidents of other Igbo communities here. This shows that the Igbos are united now.”
A fundraising session held among awardees and guests served as a highlight of the event, with proceeds directed towards the construction of the proposed civic centre.
Honourees included Chief Goddy Ugochukwu Nwokeji, Sir Anthony Ikechukwu Udenze (Alusi Nando), Evang. Rufus Umeojiaku, Sir Felix Ekemezie Okoli, Pharm. Obiora Samuel Oyeka, Comr. Edwin Okwunwanne, Okechukwu Nkwonta (Nwachikwadolu na Awgbu) and Nnamdi Victor Madubuko.
In his closing remarks, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Dr. Sam Chuma Eboh thanked attendees for honouring the invitation and supporting the civic centre project.
