Umuahia, Abia State |January 21, 2026 —
The Chief Whip of the Abia State House of Assembly and Member representing Umuahia South State Constituency, Hon Emeka Tommy Jacob-Obioma, alongside the Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, on Wednesday, engaged youths of Ohiya Autonomous Community in Umuahia South Local Government Area, urging them to uphold peace and communal harmony ahead of the forthcoming Ekpe Festival.
The engagement followed an earlier condolence visit by the lawmakers to the Abazie family of Umueze Ohiya Autonomous Community over the death of the elder brother of the Director-General of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Hon. Ure Abazie. During the visit, the legislators offered words of comfort to the bereaved family, praying for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for divine strength for the family during the period of mourning.
After the condolence visit, Hon. Jacob-Obioma and Hon. Aguocha proceeded to Agbala Umuoram in Ohiya Autonomous Community, where they met with a large gathering of enthusiastic youths. The interaction was marked by warmth, openness, and a robust exchange of views on community development, cultural preservation, and the role of youths in sustaining peace.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Emeka Obioma emphasized that the Ekpe Festival, scheduled to hold on Friday, January 23, 2026, remains a cherished cultural heritage that must be protected from acts capable of undermining its significance. He stressed that culture thrives best in an atmosphere of peace, discipline, and mutual respect.
“The Ekpe Festival is not just a celebration; it is a symbol of our identity, our unity, and our shared values as a people,” Obioma said.
“I urge you, our vibrant youths, to ensure that peace reigns before, during, and after the festival. Violence or disorder does not project our community well and does not serve our collective interest.”
The Chief Whip further reassured the youths of the lawmakers’ commitment to supporting cultural activities that promote unity and progress. According to him, responsible cultural expression strengthens communal bonds and creates opportunities for positive engagement, especially among young people.
“As your representative, I remain committed to standing with you and supporting initiatives that promote peace, culture, and development,” Obioma added.
“Let us use this festival as an opportunity to showcase the best of Ohiya to the world and to demonstrate that our youths are disciplined, responsible, and forward-looking.”
In response, the youths of Ohiya Autonomous Community expressed appreciation for the visit and pledged their commitment to a peaceful Ekpe Festival. They also reaffirmed their unwavering support for Hon. Emeka Tommy Obioma, describing him as a true people’s legislator who remains accessible, attentive to grassroots concerns, and consistent in his advocacy for community development.
The gathering ended on a positive note, with assurances of continued collaboration between the lawmakers and the community to sustain peace, promote cultural harmony, and deepen grassroots participation in governance.
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