By Adaobi Nsofor, Head, OCDU Abuja Publicity Sub Committee
As preparations intensify for the 2026 End-of-Year Cultural Day Celebration of the Oguta Community Development Union (OCDU), Abuja Branch, elders and leaders of the Union have described Oguta culture as beautiful, priceless and central to the people's identity, while calling on all Oguta sons and daughters in Abuja to come out en masse on November 29.
The highly anticipated event is scheduled to hold on Sunday, November 29, 2026, at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN) Complex, Kubwa Road, Abuja.
“WE MUST GATHER TOGETHER” – CHAIRMAN IKEMEFUNA OHANYERE
Chairman of OCDU Abuja Branch, Mr. Ikemefuna Ohanyere, explained that the core mandate of the Union, as a branch of the mother union in Oguta, is to promote unity, community development and the preservation of Oguta's heritage.
“That is what Community Union is out to do, and OCDU Abuja is one of those branches. We are not outside the main town, so the branches are supposed to be up and doing,” he stated.
The Chairman expressed concern about the gradual erosion of culture among children and teenagers in the diaspora, stressing the importance of deliberate cultural education.
“We keep encouraging our parents so that our children will not be embarrassed. We need to be gathering together. Igbo language and Oguta culture will go a long way in building community,” he said.
He explained that the November 29 celebration would provide an opportunity for Oguta people to showcase their heritage, interact and strengthen community bonds.
“This November 29th, at Public Service Institute, we will exhibit our culture and we will be able to talk to ourselves,” he said.
“OUR CULTURE MAKES US HAPPY” – CHIEF SUNDAY UDOM UZOKWE (of blessed memory)
Speaking in an exclusive interview, respected elder and former Secretary of OCDU Abuja, late Chief Sunday Udom Uzokwe, traced Oguta culture to its ancestral roots, noting that it has been preserved and passed down through generations.
“That is what has been happening for long, from our ancestors. That is where it started until date; we did not stop. From where our forefathers stopped, we continued with the culture because it is very good and very beautiful. Anytime you attend such an event, you will be very happy when going home,” he said.
Uzokwe, who commended the 2024 edition for being well-organised and impactful, particularly for children and grandchildren, said this year's celebration promises to be even more exciting.
“This year's own will be very different because we have prepared very well. It will be fantastic,” he assured.
On why he is proud to be an Oguta man, the elder pointed to two treasures that distinguish the community: Oguta Lake and its rich culture.
“Oguta Lake, I don't think that we have that type of lake in Nigeria and in Africa. So that is number one, and our culture. For example, during memorable events in Oguta, you will see our culture in our women; they tie wrappers in a unique way, our men tie theirs as well in another fashionable way, and they dress very well,” he explained.
“COME AND SUPPORT YOUR OWN” – CHIEF INNOCENT AGBASOGA
Another elder and former Chairman of OCDU Abuja, Chief Innocent Agbasoga, who introduced himself in the Ugwuta dialect, recalled how the Abuja branch started from a small beginning and has grown into a formidable community organisation.
In his closing message, he made a passionate appeal to Oguta people in Abuja and environs.
“Our culture is our identity. Without culture, we are nothing. If we leave our culture, we have lost everything. OCDU Abuja is trying to bring our culture back, to bring our children together so they will know who they are and where they come from.
“On 29th November 2026, we will show the whole of Abuja what Oguta is. It will be very big. It will be sweet. Our women will cook our food, our men will display. Everybody will be happy.
“I want to beg all of us, come out. Support OCDU Abuja. Come with your wife, come with your children. Let them see how Oguta people celebrate.”
A CELEBRATION OF LAKE, LANGUAGE AND LEGACY
This year's Cultural Day will showcase Oguta's unique heritage, from the world-famous Oguta Lake to its colourful masquerades, traditional dances, cuisine, distinctive wrapper-tying traditions and language.
According to the Planning Committee, led by Engr. Ephraim Ochije, the event will feature cultural displays, awards of honour to distinguished sons and daughters, intergenerational dialogue and the showcasing of traditional Oguta cuisine.
The Union therefore calls on all Oguta indigenes resident in Abuja and environs to attend with their families and celebrate the culture that binds them together.
For enquiries and support:
OCDU Planning Committee Secretariat: 08033315251, 08035876271
Publicity Sub-Committee: 08186200490
Oguta bu nke anyi! OCDU Abuja bu nke anyi! NNL.
