Exclusive:Anambra Monarch from Alor Kingdom HRH. Igwe MacAnthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo and Emir of Daura kingdom, Alahji Umar Farouk Umar (CON) in Unity mission for Nigeria

 www.odogwublog.com reports exclusively that two communities in Nigeria, Alor and Daura met in exchange of culture and tradition to for better understanding of our Nigerian spirit.The actors are , the Ezedioha-nma III of Alor kingdom Idemmili South local government area of Anambra ,HRH. Igwe MacAnthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo state took a large entourage to Daura, Katsina state at the palace of Emir of Daura, Alahji Umar Farouk Umar (CON).

 Igwe Okonkwo after restoring peace to Alor and political parties in the local government decided to embark on peace advocacy to the Northern Nigeria as a means of bridging the tensed relationship between Ndigbo and the Northern counterparts.

The Duara emirate council received Igwe Okonkwo with pomp and pageantry.

  www.odogwublog.com reports further that before delving into the Duara emirate journey,  let’s look at the Alor community New yam festival last weekend especially having gone for two years without marking the festival since the death of Igwe Nkwoka, the late Igwe.
This year's new yam ‘Iwa Ji festival’ celebration was significant as it was the first new yam festival officiated by the new monarch, Igwe MacAnthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo.
Alor indigenes and well wishers adorned with colourful wears with the touch of tradition gathered at the Umuokwu palace of Igwe MacAnthony Okonkwo where there was enormous display of the rich culture and tradition of the Igbo tribe.
Masquerades and dance troupes of all kind from other neighboring communities also came in solidarity and they took turn to satisfy the curious glare of the palace guests.

Iwa ji festival in Igbo land signifies the harvest season which is used to thank the gods or God, for a successful farming season which has yielded to bountiful harvest.
Igwe Alor also used the occasion to confer traditional titles on these three illustrious sons of Alor including Chief Ifeanyi Onunkwo as Ichie Agu III of Alor, Chief Chinwike Nnanyelugo as Ichie Atu II and Chief Nnamdi Okide as Ebubedike Alor and later held a thanksgiving mass at St Mary's Catholic Church Alor in appreciation to God almighty for a successful and hitch-free festival.

The maiden New yam Festival of Igwe MacAnthony Okonkwo held at the Igwe's Palace which commenced with 21 Cannon shots summoning all the 18 kindred units of the Community to the venue, later proceeded with Igwe Okonkwo performing his maiden installation of Ndi Ichie- Ichie Agu and Ichie Atu, after which he mounted a Horse from Daura kingdom and moved round the arena in the company of Ndi Ichie and Ndi Idi-Alor to acknowledge greetings from his subjects.    
                    Performing the Iwaji, Igwe Okonkwo thanked God for the gift of yam and the rich cultural event with which Ndigbo celebrate it and prayed for a bountiful harvest this year and for peace and stability in the community and the state.                  
According to him, "My message is peace, peace and peace. Without peace, no sustainable development can take place. Alor is one and will remain so. I want the peace and unity that I have known her with to continue especially in this period when God has chosen me to serve my people as their Igwe".                       The Royal Father described the New Yam Festival as an age long custom that helps foster peace and brotherliness among the people and stressed the need for Ndigbo to hold tenaciously to the positive aspects of their tradition so as to preserve them for posterity.                  
        The traditional ruler of Obosi, Eze Chidubem Iweka in a goodwill message, observed  that the Alor Community under the leadership of Igwe Okonkwo, is poised to witness massive transformation and called on the people to rally round the royal father to make his reign successful.     
      To him, it is heartwarming that Ndigbo are beginning to heed the call to participate in their cultural activities as it will give impetus to government's efforts at reviving the dying Igbo culture and traditions.
                      On his part, a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Comrade Tony-Uche Ezekwelu described culture and tradition as the people's true identity and sued for the active involvement of youths in the ongoing quest for Cultural Revolution so as to guarantee that the people's culture does not go into extinction.         

 His words " when we celebrate New Yam Festival in Igboland, it is always an opportunity to thank God for his provision. As is customary in Igbo tradition, the Traditional Ruler performing the Iwaji will open the way for everyone in the community to eat Yam. It is believed that after this Ceremony, the yam to be consumed will nourish the people".                     
  In their separate remarks, some of those honoured at the event, Chiefs Chukwunwike Nnanyelugo and Nnamdi Okide as well as a Chieftaincy Title holder in the area, Chief Ogonna Olisa acknowledged that the successful celebration of the Festival and other cultural events made possible by the emergence of Igwe Okonkwo, were clear pointers to the lasting peace and unity that has come to stay in the kingdom.                      Highpoints of the Festival were the Royal Father's dance to the Ushe Music, ceremonial cutting of the yam, performances by various dance and masquerade groups as well as paying of homage to the king by his subjects and other well-wishers.

Then at Duara, Katisna state, Igwe Okonkwo said his mission was ‘’clear and simple, to mobilize the northern Emir's in his bid for sustainable peace and development in all parts of the country through mass sensitization of the subjects.

He stressed his believe on the ability of the traditional institutions to instill a peace seeking consciousness in their subjects since they are the most revered and respected institution in the whole country.

He stressed the need for the government to provide a rallying ground for the traditional rulers in the whole country which will be known as 'MONARCH SQUARE' just like the ecumenical centre in Abuja for the religious bodies in Nigeria.

The square he reiterated will serve as a ground for the traditional institutions of the various tribes and background that make up the entity Nigeria to occasionally gather and brainstorm on issues of grassroots importance and national peace policies.

Responding ,the Emir of Daura, Alahji Umar Farouk Umar (CON) expressed gratitude to Igwe Okonkwo of Alor, Anambra state for his mission as it was highly appreciated in this era of uncertainty and new administration led by their son in Nigeria.

 He said the entire Emirate was happy to host a highly reputable and respected young Monarch from East of the Niger in his kingdom and assured the monarch that his idea of peaceful co-existence is a welcome one.

Duara Monarch further said that security of life and property when guaranteed in any domain attracts development and progress and enjoined Monarchs all over the country to ensure that they transfer the tenets of peace and tolerance on their subjects.

He insisted that, ‘’Nigeria is one and should be treated as such’’.

  He promised to maintain the relationship with Igwe Okonkwo and longs to visit Alor kingdom soonest.

Igwe Okonkwo was decorated with special royal apparel by the Emir and was treated to a sumptuous meal with the royal family.

The Prince of the Emirate, Prince Auwal faruk Umar, took his father’s guest and his entourage to historical sites of the Emirate, where various artifacts of the kingdom were displayed. He presented two Argentina Horses as a souvenir to Igwe MacAnthony Okonkwo for coming to visit his father and pledged to ensure that peace reigns in their region.

But before the trip to Niger state, Igwe Okonkwo, Ezedioha-nma III of Alor kingdom took his dynasty to the alter to present his throne to God Almighty at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church, Alo with his cabinet chiefs and other traditional rulers as well as family members.
Alor royalty was at its splendor and glory at the Church thanksgiving as Igwe Okonkwo appealed for peace and unity in Alor community for progress , development and unity to thrive.
He asked God to forgive those fighting to destabilize his throne and the community’s peace and unity , requesting that they rather use their wealth and health to serve humanity particularly Alor kingdom as God granted them the favours for a peaceful purpose. He emphasized that there is no place better than one’s home.
In his homily to mark the thanksgiving, Sir Osondu Geoffrey enjoined families especially parents to show love and understanding of their families, encouraging that children be taught undiluted word of God for better direction in life.
‘’I am encouraging everyman here and women too to pursue peace , unity of purpose and love of God in each f your homes and specifically fathers should strive to love their children and wives , this is because good families make better communities and better communities , make better states.
The Priest in charge of the  Anglican Church, Ven Obediah C Okonkwo  alongside the Church Teacher Mr Jerry Okoye officiated though with the help of other visiting priests.
Over 52 traditional rulers including the traditional ruler of Obosi , Igwe AC Iweka , 92 years old Idiugo Edozie, probably the oldest man in Alor and President of Men Fellowship , Sir Caleb Udo-Odenigbo among others attended thanksgiving ceremony. 
A member of Igwe cabinet , Chief Innocent Aloh Ekwumma traced the history of Alor and the uniqueness of the names of the previous traditional rulers of Alor and that of the present traditional ruler that either started with Nkwo or ended with Nkwo adding that Alor crowns their monarch on Nkwo day too.
The entire scenario according to Igwe Okonkwo was awesome and he glorified God for His mercies and love on Alor kingdom. He thanked Alor people for their support and solidarity.
Igwe Okonkwo had earlier done a thanksgiving service at St Mary's Catholic Parish Alor before that at St Paul's Anglican Parish Alor.
He concluded: ‘’Alor is not divided, Alor is one! Let's keep it so.... Udo chili nu gaba o!! Agam' abu Eze Udo, Dalu nu o!!!
www.odogwublog.com reporter on ground reports that there were over 200 gunshots to herald and terminate the function.