By Tobias Ekirika, Onitsha
It was an epoch making event on Friday December 26, 2025 at the new palace of Igwe Abatete as the sons and daughters of the community, friends and well-wishers came out en mass to celebrate the 5th Offala festival of the monarch.
The event which turned out to be celebration of Illustrious sons and daughters of Idemili North and South attracted all the traditional rulers from the two local government areas, including the Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Igwe Chidubem Ezeiweka, Eze Obosi 111, reputable businessmen and also traditional rulers from other communities in Anambra State.
The event, according to the traditional ruler of Abatete, His Royal Majesty Igwe Chinyelu Emeka Effobi, was a triple celebration which marks his 20 years as an Igwe of Abatete, his 5th offala festival and official opening of his permanent palace which he revealed was built singlehandedly by one of the Illustrious sons of the community, Chief Nathan Agbata, Owelle Abatete
The traditional ruler who was overwhelmed with joy commended Chief Agbata for his benevolence and other sons and daughters of Abatete who are working tirelessly for the progress of the community.
He prayed to God to continue to bless and protect the people of Abatete any where they are.
He further urged them to maintain love and peace which he said Abatete is known for, as he further prayed to God to give longevity to all the people of Abatete.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Chief Dr Law Mefor who is an indigene of the community and also a member Igwe-in-Council in an interview said the triple events were celebration of love, peace and progress the people of Abatete enjoy as a result of the good leadership of their traditional ruler.
Chief Mefor further revealed that most of the developmental projects in their community are done by the Illustrious sons of Abatete just as he commended Owelle Idemili for his magnaniminty to the people of Abatete and beyond.
The Commissioner disclosed that Owelle has built houses for windows, contracted and built many roads in the community.
Highlights of the event were conferment of Chieftaincy titles to some distinguished personalities from Abatete, Idemili North and South and beyond as the Igwe Abatete said it was to thank the contributors to community development for them to do more.
Display of cultural dances like Igba-Ike, Egedege and different masquerades featured at the event.
