The Department of English at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, recently held the Opuruiche Festival of Arts, showcasing a vibrant array of cultural displays.
The ETF auditorium, the event venue, was adorned with creative arts reflecting Africa’s rich cultural heritage. The festival drew students and staff from the English department, guest secondary schools, other universities, academia, traditional rulers, and writers.
Students wore colorful Igbo and other African cultural attire. The event began with the traditional breaking of kola nut by Igwe Chidubem Iweka, the traditional ruler of Obosi.
Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, described the festival as a nostalgic homecoming and praised Vice-Chancellor Professor Kate Omenugha for fostering a welcoming academic environment. She assured the English department students of the value of their education if they remain dedicated.
Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, expressed his delight with the cultural displays and promised partnership with the department, supported by the state government.
Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kate Omenugha, dramatized parts of Shakespeare’s *Macbeth* and was impressed by the students’ performance of Chinua Achebe’s *Things Fall Apart*. She thanked the students for unveiling a poetry collection, “Ife-nkili,” in her honor, and commended the department head for his creativity and dedication to the university.
In his welcome address, Dr. Ikechukwu Asika, Head of the English Department, explained that the festival supports Professor Omenugha’s efforts to enhance the university’s visibility and promote its values. He emphasized that Opuruiche is a reminder of their uniqueness, aiming to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairman of the Nigeria Advisory Board for Literature Prize, noted that this is the first time a university department globally has organized a festival of arts, commending Professor Omenugha for her dynamic and disciplined leadership.
The first reading was by Igwe Iweka, who read from his latest publication, *Reflections of Hope*, a collection of poems. The second reading was by Mr. Odili Ujubuonu, Managing Director of Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA).
The festival also featured the investiture of Chief Stanley Obodoagwu as Patron of the department, the dramatization of *Things Fall Apart*, the launch and unveiling of the maiden edition of *Opuruiche: A Journal of Creative and Critical Writing*, award presentations, and Igbo and Zulu cultural dances.
