By Florence Uwaeme
The king of Ubie Kingdom, in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Majesty, Eze Hon. Augustine Maxwell Okpokiri JP, Eze Igbu Ubie IV, has called Youths to use the rich cultural heritage of Ekpeye ethnic nationality as a tool for peace, unity and progress.
King Okpokiri made the call during the opening ceremony of the Ubie traditional wrestling competition at Odido Community in Ubie Kingdom on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.
The monarch, who urged the youths to embrace culture, especially wrestling, as it was the people’s way of life, also advised them to eschew all crime-related activities, adding that culture helps to add value to human life.
” let me State it clearly, as far as I am concerned, no culture in any part of Nigeria encourages violence.
” Culture, especially wrestling, unites Ekpeye people. As you can see, all the Kingdoms in Ekpeye Ethnic Nationality are here today.
” I encourage our Youths to embrace the culture and avoid all forms of crime. They should engage in activities that would grow their lives in future and stop the violence.”
Also speaking at the event, His Imperial Majesty Eze Amb. Sir Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, said the wrestling festival was also conceived to unite further and promote peace, love and unity of the good people of Ekpeye Ethnic Nation.
Eze Ekpeye Logbo expressed joy over the wrestling festival organised by the people of Ubie Kingdom.
He commended the monarch for his unrelenting efforts in promoting culture as a tool for unity and social cohesion.
Other Majesties attended are HRM, Eze Hon. Cassidy O. W. Ikegbidi Jp, Eze Igbu Akoh II, HRM Eze Joshua Eyiba JP, and Eze Igbu Igbuduya II.
HRH Eze N. B. Okwa JP, Eze Emene Eka-Mini Ubie, HRH Eze Dr. Chigerem David Jp, Eze Emene Echi Ubie, Chief David Idoke Chinemerem Ude JP
Regent Igbu Ehuda(Ahoada) Kingdom, Honourable Nwanaka Okpokiri Nwanaka, immediate past Member representing Ahoada West in Rivers State of House of Assembly.