–—– Says Nike’s deep cultural heritage and evolving development signifies a modern African city.

The palace of His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Emmanuel Ugwu (Okwesilieze I of Okwe Kingdom, Ibagwa Nike), was aglow on Friday, December 12, 2025, as it hosted the maiden edition of the Nike Heritage Colloquium and Gala Night in celebration of the annual Ofala Festival.

The heritage event, held under the theme “The Evolution of the African City: The Nike Experience,” attracted traditional rulers, political office holders, scholars, and cultural stakeholders from across Enugu State and beyond.

Declaring the event open, Igwe Dr. Emmanuel Ugwu described the occasion as an evening of interaction and unity, noting that the Ofala Festival symbolizes a moment when the monarch dines with his subjects and reinforces the communal bond between the throne and the people.

In his words, “I am very happy to welcome all of us from far and near. What we are doing is to thank God for life. Every year we choose one or two illustrious sons of Nigeria and induct them into the palace. What we celebrate in the palace cannot be celebrated in the church. The palace is where God sits and takes over the sacrifices. Every year we gather to celebrate God and ourselves. The joy is for universal oneness. In the palace, it is a place where God himself lives and that is why people from North, South and West gather to celebrate love. In Igbo tradition, Ofala is the Ofor-Ala , four elements control the earth- element of water, fire, earth and air. Every year , we try to use the power of these elements to bless our people. The authority is to speak with the four elements to bless the entire human race and our people. For four days, I called the ancestors of our land to celebrate with us, rejoice with us. Thank you and may God bless us.”

Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Hon. Pastor Beloved Dan Anike, extolled the royal father for his selfless service to Ibagwa Nike and his commitment to preserving and strengthening the community’s cultural heritage.

In his words, “ this is in line with Bill Gates quote that every generation has the right to redefine themselves and that is what the Igwe is doing in Ibagwa Nike. we deemed it possible to have a Colloquium in honour of Nike land. “Nike Heritage is the cradle of Enugu City.” We are carved to serve, to become a crador in Enugu City. Nike is an ancient gate keeper of hills and valleys. It is a dignity for development. It is the breaking urban development of the South East. Nike is the dynamics of Enugu State. In Nike, our strength lies in our generosity and not our conquest. It is a land that flows with milk and honey. Nike is a vessel from which Enugu emerged.”

Also in attendance was the APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Enugu State, Prince Ben Nwoye, who commended Igwe Dr. Ugwu for sustaining the cultural identity of Nike and contributing to the broader cultural heritage of Enugu State. In his remarks, Nwoye highlighted his personal ties to the area, stating that he belongs to both the Nike and Unadu traditional institutions.

The Director General Tinubu Support Group, Dr. Umaru Yakasia also extolled the royal father, Igwe Dr. Emmanuel Ugwu for sustaining this culture for years. “ We are proud of him, when we lose our culture,we lose our peace,” he concluded.

Among the traditional rulers present were Igwe Okechukwu Agbaje, Chairman of the Igbo-Eze South Traditional Rulers Council; Igwe Charles Oji; and Igwe Fidelis Eze, Chairman of the Uzo-Uwani Traditional Rulers Council.

The event also drew notable personalities including Dr C N N Nwafor, a member of the APC caretaker committee, Enugu State, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mba, Chief Executive Officer of G.17 and Senior Special Assistant to the Enugu State Governor on Market Matters; Alhaji Bello Dambazua (Ebubedike na Ibagwa); Hon. Osy Oko; Dr. Stanley Ngene (Osisioma); Prof. Moses Okonkwo; Engr. Chief Barnabas Ibe, a retired Permanent Secretary of Enugu State; Hon. Ray Ugwu, representing Enugu East in the Enugu State House of Assembly; and Alhaji Sani Friday Nnaji, among others.

The Nike Heritage Colloquium and Gala Night underscored the importance of cultural preservation while examining the historical and contemporary evolution of Nike as an integral part of the African urban experience.