It was all joy and celebration for the people of Izuoma-Asa Community in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State on Sunday, December 20, as they rolled out drums to celebrate the annual Izuoma Day in a grand style.
The celebration which took place at the Izuoma town square attracted notable personalities from various walks of life, including traditional rulers from neighbouring villages, elders, men, women, concerned citizens of Izuoma, youth groups and entertainment personalities among others.
The chairman of Izuoma-Asa community, Comr. Humble Nwaka in his speech said every 20th December is a ‘Special day’ in the ancient town of Izuoma-Asa, because it is the day the people of Izuoma community chose to celebrate peace and unity that bind them together.
He said that the five communities that make up the Izuoma-Asa have never been at loggerheads as is the case with other communities, stressing that their sharing formular as a policy in all issues of common interest has always been respected and kept sacrosanct and serves as a bond of unity.
Comrade Nwaka thank God for the epoch-making event which he also described as a way of showing appreciation to God for his protection over them. “This year’s 2020 is a year that nobody will ever forget in a hurry because of COVID-19 Pandemic, #ENDSARS protest that led to series of deaths. But we, the Izuoma-Asa community did not record any casualty including the non-indigenes among us. I give God all the glory for keeping us alive to witness this day,” he declared
He used the opportunity to thank the paramount ruler of the community for his peace-oriented policies that have ushered in the needed peace in the community, noting that the paramount Ruler has never deviated from the rules and regulation of the Izuoma-Asa Community and urged him not to relent.
The Paramount Ruler, Chief Chinedu Nwaji, the Mgbogburu Enyi 1 of Izuoma-Asa Community in his speech said their excitement and joy was informed by their belief that God dwells with them. We danced like we had never before. The joy flows from within, knowing how God loves us and saved us from COVID-19 pandemic and other senseless killings in the country,” he said.
He said his community is one of the most peaceful communities in the state and urged the governor, Chief (Barr) Nyesom Wike to remember the community in his scheme of things, adding that the community lacks health care centre, secondary school and roads and pleaded that the government should make them have sense of belonging.
Also speaking , Comr. Adele P. Ogechukwu, the youth President of the community described the annual celebration as unique and successful, adding that his people are full of hospitality, while assuring that the youth body will continue to abide by the rules and regulations for the community to attain a greater height.
