FOSSSA Hosts cultural festival To promote Igbo Traditions.

By Vincential Onwuka

The celebration of the Ofala Festival Day was held on Thursday by the Faculty of Social Sciences Students’ Association (FOSSSA) at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, as a way to uphold indigenous Igbo culture and preserve the legacy of their ancestors.

The event began with an opening prayer led by the Igwe of FOSSSA. A cultural rite was performed by the FOSSSA royalties to welcome the UNIZIK royalties into their territory. The rite, symbolising peace and acceptance, ended with warm pleasantries exchanged by both groups while traditional Igbo music played in the background.The traditional kolanut was blessed and shared among the royalties, marking the beginning of a festive and vibrant celebration.

A highlight of the event was the Egedege dance performance, which thrilled the audience and drew cheers of admiration. Following that, the Onowo of FOSSSA delivered a welcoming speech, thanking everyone for taking time to celebrate their heritage and participate in the cultural event.One of the most entertaining moments of the day was the masquerade performance. Rituals were carried out before the masquerade group began their act. The masquerade’s dramatic entrance sent young girls scurrying for safety in excitement, as the atmosphere burst with cultural energy and laughter. For many students who rarely travel home, it was an opportunity to witness and connect with traditional Igbo customs firsthand.

The Master of Ceremony (MC) added life and humour to the event with a blend of jokes and spirited commentary. A cooking competition followed, where three girls from the Department of Sociology—Favour from Anambra State, Ujuwa from Imo State, and Uchechukwu from Anambra State—were selected to cook native soup dishes within a set time.

To keep the audience engaged during the cooking session, a Gele (traditional head-tie) competition was held. Three contestants—Adaeze from Enugu State, Chisidim from Enugu State, and Kosisochukwu from Anambra State—participated. Adaeze emerged the winner and received a cash prize of ₦8,300.The Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences was acknowledged by the MC and warmly welcomed by the FOSSSA royalties. After the cooking was concluded, the meals were presented to the judges and Lolos for tasting. Following a suspenseful pause, Favour from Anambra State was announced as the winner of the cooking competition and was awarded a prize.The event ended at 6:00 p.m. in an atmosphere of celebration and cultural pride.

The Igwe of FOSSSA gave a heartfelt vote of thanks to all participants and guests. Refreshments were served, and attendees departed with smiles, having reconnected with their roots in a colourful and meaningful way.