Uvwie Chairman Calls for Unity, Cultural Preservation at 17th Uvwie Day

The Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Area, Anthony Ofoni, has called for immediate action to safeguard the cultural heritage of Uvwie Kingdom, warning that traditional values are increasingly at risk from globalisation and Western influences. His comments came during the 17th Uvwie Day celebration on December 26, where he, alongside the Ovie of Uvwie, Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso, urged the community to protect their customs for future generations.

The theme of this year’s event, “Sustaining Uvwie Cultural Heritage and Values,” addressed growing concerns about the erosion of cultural practices, especially among the younger generation.

In his speech, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Sideso stressed the importance of maintaining these traditions, describing them as the foundation of the community’s identity. “Our values, our traditions they are what define us,” he said. “If we do not preserve them, we risk losing our sense of who we are.”

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Chairman Ofoni echoed the Ovie’s message, calling the theme a wake-up call for the people of Uvwie, particularly the youth. He urged them to take pride in their heritage and reject external influences that undermine their values.

The celebration featured a colourful display of Uvwie culture, including a march past by local groups such as Eche R’Alegbo, Eche R’Ogbe, and Eche R’Ekpan, as well as performances showcasing traditional music, dance, and attire. The event also showed Uvwie’s inclusive spirit, with non-indigenous groups contributing to the festivities.

A highlight of the day was the recognition of two distinguished daughters of Uvwie, Commander Hetty Oraka-Onojeje, Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet, US Navy, and Professor (Mrs.) Mercy Erhun, the first female professor of law from Uvwie.

Chairman Ofoni also reiterated ongoing efforts to have Uvwie Day officially recognised on Nigeria’s tourism calendar, noting the event’s potential to attract visitors and promote Uvwie’s rich cultural heritage on a national stage.