History of Ogaga awgu agwu

(Abridged )By Ozo Ginger Ibeneme II MBBS (Ozo Elengum Orio na Achi ).December 9,2023Ikikpom Villa ,Rock Palace AchiOga-Aga-Agwu-Agwu Achi Festival was a creation of Achi Improvement Union (AIU), the original intent was to foster unity among Achi indigens,and to mobilize the elites towards structured and self help development of Achi Clan . It has however metamorphosed into a huge triennial international festival that draws both indigens and associates of Ndi Achi from around the world. Achi Improvement Union was founded in 1943 by Achi Elites of then , the likes of Chief Ekpenyong Onuaguluchi , Abel O Diribe , Chief BC Okwu , Philip Okwu , Reuben Udediri , Jason Ekekezie, Rufus Ugochukwu, Dr TA Mbaeliachi , TA Anunobi , Martias Ifejika , Theophilus Emeribe , Kenneth Nwokeabia , Chief Okefi and others . The pioneer President was Chief Ekpe Onuaguluchi , a wealthy businessman and the Warrant Chief of Elugwu Agu Achi (Ihe and Umumba) . In 1955 , same set of individuals decided to create a chieftaincy titular order for the clan, which would be less fetish and acceptable among the then increasing christian population ,especially the dominant Anglican and Catholic Churches. Before then , Achi had a number of Titular societies like Emume, Ogunese ,Ichie etc that required much rituals during initiation and operations. Nze na Ozo was then brought from Agu Ukwu Nri , and the older tutular groups were reformed into a universal less fetish Prestigious Society in 1955. Same year and period , Oga-Aga-Agwu-Agwu festival was created to memorialize the old indigenous Achi military formation known as Oga-Aga-Agwu-Agwu.The first modern Oga-Aga-Agwu-Agwu Festival was however held on 1st January 1956 at the Obu Achi ,near Orio Ala, the ancestral home of Achi people. It celebrated the resilience and tenacity of Achi Clan and her people.The event was used to raise funds for Achi Water Scheme as water was the greatest challenge of the people. Tap water was built and deployed in most Achi Communities with the initial beneficiaries as Elugwu la Mkpokolo , Isikwe na Agbadala , Umumba , Elugwu Akwu , Amaetiti, etc .Also Scholarships were granted to some very bright young indigens, the earliest beneficiaries were people like Nze Elias Nnaedozie who was later initiated in 1966 into Nze na Ozo, rising to become the Nze Amankpunator and Secretary of the association for so many years, and later President, now Eze Ozo . He retired at the peak of Civil Service as Permanent Secretary. Many other indigens also benefited and it’s on going .Achi has used the festival both for informal census of sort as it is a time for mass return of citizens, and to mobilize for community development. Since the creation of Autonomous Communities by Enugu State Government in 2003 , Ndi Igwe have become joint custodians of this beautiful tradition which has remained the focal point for Achi Unity and Nationalism. Following multiple international mishaps of 2020 especially the COVID 19 Pandemic , December 31 2020 version of the festival was low key while providing Achi indigens the opportunity to fraternize and show solidarity with one another .As has become the custom since inception, new entrants were initiated into the Prestigious Nze na Ozo Society Achi Clan on same date .The 2024 edition of Oga-Aga-Agwu-Agwu Achi would hold on Ist January 2024 at the usual venue. Nze na Ozo Achi would be initiating meritorious Achi Indegens into the apex cultural association of the motherland.A list of highly eminent Achi Indigens are lining up to be initiated into the apex cultural association;1.Chief Godwin Smart Iloegbunam- Ahani Achi.2. Cy Amaechi Iweh- Elu la Nkpo3. Chidi J. Iweh- Elu la Nkpo4. Chief John Okefi (Traditional Prime Minister)- Ahani Achi5. Chief Cyprian Anyabuoke – Elugwu Akwu Achi6. Chief Kenechukwu Imachukwu -Ahani Achi7. Nelson Obiakor -Isikwe Achi8. Chief Samuel Ekesi – Ahani Achi9. Chief Onyeka Okolo -Ehuhe Achi10. Udokwu Osita Ojukwu -Amaetiti Achi11. Ikechukwu Onwuzurike -Agbadala Achi12. Hon Ejike Ilo- Ehuhe Achi13. Cletus Ofokansi-Elu la Nkpo14. Uchegbue Damian- Elu La Nkpo15. Chief Joseph Uzor Ahanonu (Killer Joe ) -Umumba16. Chief Ted Ezike – Elu la Nkpo Dr McGinger Nonso Ibeneme (Ozo Ginger Ibeneme II) is a medical doctor, Executive Director Agbaruo Ngene Foundation, Secretary General Nze na Ozo Achi ( Vice President elect 2024 ) Spokesperson for Nze na Ozo world wide Spokesperson and Crown Prince of the Rock Palace, Aka ji Ofo Umueze