By Ori Martins
The crowd was massive. The venue was expansive. And the event at hand was a ritual. The 2025 edition of the Oji Ezinihitte, Mbaise held at Amumara. Amumara is a well known historic town as it played host to two of the most respected girls secondary schools in Mbaise and beyond, namely, the Amumara Girls Secondary School as well as the Handmaid Child Jesus Juniorate.
As Amumara was poised and pleased to host the Oji Ezinihitte 2025, the town’s atmosphere became boisterous as it was turbo – charged for various socioeconomic and cultural activities.
At the Amumara Central Square, the entire Mbaise gathered to watch a festival rich in social and cultural values. Notable politicians, reputable industrialists, established business elite, renowned artistes, old and young people of different categories were present both in body and in spirit.
After the cultural displays, all the towns in Ezinihitte took their turn in the Oji Ezinihitte Festival by partaking in its ritual extravaganza and exhibition.
However, the arena was more jubilant, more vociferous and more lively the moment the former governor of Imo State, Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha, arrived at the scene. Beholding his now trademark green cap, the crowd which had already been switched on for action following the colourful performances of the various cultural troupes, went into ecstasy and frenzy that was variegated in colour, mode and appreciation.
Indeed, it was both symbolic and historic. You see, Ezinihitte evokes passion on Ihedioha for for some reasons. One, his beautiful wife, Her Excellency, Lady Ebere, hails from there. Two, Ezinihitte produced some of the best Mbaise brains such as D. I. Abii, Eze Oguguo, Prof Uzodimma Nwala, Commodore Ochulor, Lady Ada Okwuonu, Eucharia Uche, Kanayo O. Kanayo, and a host of other distinguished men and women who were (are) celebrities in their various fields. Three, some of the most ardent supporters of Ihedioha are from this culturally inclined locale.
Thus, with his arrival, the women danced and waved with cheerful joy, the youths were excited at the sight of the erstwhile deputy speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, just as the men, with maturity of brain and discipline of mind, raised their hands in admiration of a man whose seven months reign as governor is still being talked about as credible and excellent.
Of course, Ihedioha, a man for great moments, was not lost in it all. He understood the significance of the moment as well as its historic importance. As he acknowledged the cheers, he dramatically walked in an amazing galloping steps that were measured by the thematic tone of the occasion at hand. Elated and joyful, Ihedioha greeted the crowd with a certain rhythm that matched the lyrics of the moment, with a not pronounced reassurance that “With God, things will be better”.
It was a great day for a great people and great occasion for a great man Ihedioha who always identifies with his the people who he has worked so hard to put smiles on their faces. The January 1 event at Amumara was a beautiful way to start year 2025 with Ihedioha as the cynosure of all eyes.