The traditional ruler of Eri kingdom in Enugwu Aguleri community in
Anambra State, Eze Chukwuemeka Eri has revealed why the people of the
Igbo race live and do business all over the world saying it is a
blessing they inherited from their fore father known as Eri who is said
to have migrated from Israel and landed at Aganabo Ezu n’ezu Omamala
River Confluence.
The monarch who gave the revelation at his palace on Monday on
preparation for a 3 day event lined up for the annual festival in
remembrance of the father of the race now known as World Eri Festival
said that Ndigbo inherited the blessings to go and live and do business
everywhere and make progress from their father.
Flanked by the Council of Chiefs and visitors which includes the
Chairman Chief Osita Chinwwuba, Odum Obi, Chief Gilbert Ogii alias bravo
and others the Eze Eri described the World Eri Festival as a time when
the entire Igbo race converge to remember and celebrate their father
adding that the palace has lined up a 3 day program for this year’s
edition of the Festival coming up at the weekend.
He said that Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and about 25 African
Americans from United States among other dignitarie from all walks of
life are expected at the festival. He said the visiting African
Americans are those who have traces their root to the Igbo race
following DNA test adding that the visitors will be taking to the
Aganabo Ezu n’ezu Omamala Confluence to pay homage to Eri, the father of
the Igbo race.
“We have received over 200 Africans Americans who traces their root to
the Igbo here. They come in batches every year. This year about 25 are
coming” he added.
Collaborating the monarch, the Chairman of the planning committee Chief
Rommy Ezeonwuka said the festival provides Ndigbo Ndigbo to retrace
their root and unite with their ancestors assuring that everything is in
good shape for the festival including tight security.