OKON-AKU, OHAFIA — The leader of Abiansi Okon-Aku (Ezie Dibia), N. Dr. Chief Agwu Kalu Idika, popularly known as Zeruwa, has called on members of Okon-Aku Ohafia community, particularly practitioners of traditional medicine, to embrace peace, unity and responsible conduct as the community prepares for the 2026 Abiansi (Dibia) Celebration and New Yam activities.
As custodian of the rites and traditional history of Okon-Aku, Chief Agwu Kalu, described the annual cultural activities as an important avenue for preserving the heritage, history and identity of the people, and urged participants to ensure that the celebration is conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.
According to him, Abiansi and other traditional New Yam activities are not merely occasions for festivities, but important platforms through which the people sustain their cultural values and pass their heritage from one generation to another. It is also the period to perform the necessary rituals needed to keep the community safe and progressive
He used the opportunity to extend an invitation to the people of Abia State and visitors on 15th and 19th September, 2026, to witness the various cultural displays expected during the 2026 celebration, while calling on security agencies and relevant government authorities to provide the necessary support to ensure peace and order throughout the period.
In keeping with the traditional structure of the community, Chief Agwu Kalu, who is also the head of Ndi Ebin Compound (Ishi Dibia), appealed to Ezieogo Bernard Kama and his council, the paramount ruler, HRH Eze Engr. Ndukwe Iko, Nnaka IV of Okon-Aku Ohafia and Cabinet, to help ensure that the 2026 Abiansi Celebration is held in an atmosphere of peace, mutual respect and love.
The Abiansi leader stressed that the essence of the tradition is rooted in the promotion of peace and unity among the people of Okon-Aku.
He therefore warned that practitioners or participants who engage in violence, disorder or other unwanted behaviour during the celebration would not be shielded, assuring that such individuals would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
Chief Agwu Kalu said the success of the 2026 celebration should be measured not only by the richness of its cultural displays, but also by the peace, discipline and unity with which the people come together to celebrate their heritage.
He consequently urged all stakeholders to put the collective interest of Okon-Aku above personal differences and ensure that the celebration becomes another opportunity to strengthen the bonds of unity and preserve the community’s cultural heritage for future generations.
