Speaker from Abia praises Unubiko Founder Ume for the revival of the Atan Abam Festival and pledges to expand it to a state-wide event.
Held yesterday in the center of the Atan Abam Community, Arochukwu, the historic Atan Abam Festival was attended by the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emereuwa.
The speaker praised the festival’s illustrious past as well as Chief James Ume, the Unubiko Foundation’s founder, for his contribution to its resuscitation.
According to him, the festival honors the long-standing commercial ties that existed between Old Bende Igbo traders and European traders who traveled the Igwu River network for trade. It is a colorful celebration.
Emeruwa underlined the festival’s importance above and beyond its historical foundation.
This festival’s significance goes much beyond its historical foundation. It symbolizes a determined attempt to maintain and revitalize a culture that is extremely valuable to the people of Atan Abam as well as to the entire state of Abia.
The Speaker said, “Chief James Ume has been instrumental in this cultural revival. He is a pillar of support and love for his community.”
With an eye toward the future, the Speaker pledged to make sure the Abia State House of Assembly is fully represented in the following Atan Abam Cultural Show.
“Going forward, we aim to make sure that this community’s next cultural show has full representation, and we want to grow it into a statewide event.” Chief James Ume’s commitment to maintaining Atan Abam culture is demonstrated by his funding of the 2024 Ekponibro Festival through the Unubiko Foundation, he stated.
The speaker gave the residents of Atan Abam his compliments on a well-executed festival celebration.
