Uzodimma, Leo Stan-Ekeh, Iheanacho to attend Owerri cultural festival in Lagos

Dr Sam Amadi delivers keynote address

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Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma to grace the Mezie Owerri Oduezhi cultural festival alongside his Lagos State counterpart, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, under the chairmanship of Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, business mogul and former Minister of Interior.

This is as Dr Sam Amadi, ex-Executive Chairman of Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), will deliver the keynote address.

In a press release made available to newsmen in Owerri, Imo State capital, Engr Dom Nkwopara, Chairman of the Organising Committee of Mezie Owerri Oduezhi 2026, disclosed that the Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and his Lagos State counterpart will be in attendance for the event billed for Saturday.

Nkwopara revealed that the cultural celebration, which holds on 10th October at prestigious Colonnades Hotel, 21 Alfred Rewane Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, will commence with a colloquium on the theme: “Art, Dialect and Identity: Re-interrogating the Arts and Culture of the Owerri People in Igbo Land, Nigeria.”

The statement read, “All is now set for the much-anticipated Mezie Owerri Oduezhi 2026, as enthusiasm continues to build among invited guests, sons and daughters of Owerri, friends of Owerri and lovers of Igbo culture ahead of the grand celebration in Lagos.

The keynote address will be delivered by Dr Sam Amadi, public intellectual, policy strategist, and law and governance expert.

The cultural festival will be chaired by Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, prominent son of Owerri and former Minister of Interior.

Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group, will serve as Special Guest of Honour, while HRH Eze Nnanna Oparachaekwe, Ebubedike II of Ulakwo, will be the Royal Father of the Day.”

Continuing, “The programme has been carefully designed to combine scholarship, culture, music and entertainment, giving guests an opportunity to celebrate the richness and diversity of Owerri heritage.

“Beyond entertainment, Oduezhi Owerri 2026 is positioned as a platform for sons and daughters of Owerri, friends of Owerri and lovers of Igbo culture to reconnect with their roots, celebrate a shared heritage and reflect on the continuing relevance of art, dialect, identity and culture in contemporary society.

The event is also expected to bring together community leaders, traditional institutions, professionals, cultural organisations, media practitioners and other stakeholders to interact and strengthen the bonds that unite the Owerri people.” Nkwopara said.

Among the artistes expected to thrill guests are Legit/Cjay, the Owerri-born guitar sensation, and Chimuanya, the crooner of the popular “Ayakata Bongo” sound.

Cultural dance groups representing Owerri town unions in Lagos will also showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people, while traditional cuisine, cultural displays and music are expected to add colour and excitement to the celebration.

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