By George Ozalla
High Chief Martin Nwabueze (Ichie Akubudike) has renewed his call for the preservation of the cultural heritage of Umudioka Ancient Kingdom as preparations gather momentum for the 2026 Mkpikpa Festival, one of the community’s most revered traditional celebrations.
The respected traditional title holder urged sons and daughters of Umudioka, the ten villages that make up the ancient kingdom, friends, well-wishers, lovers of culture and the general public to be part of the annual festival, which has remained a symbol of the people’s history, unity and identity.
According to a statement signed by the Ichie Akubudike Foundation Media, High Chief Nwabueze, widely regarded as one of the foremost custodians of Umudioka’s customs and traditions, has continued to champion the preservation and promotion of the community’s cultural values through his active support for the Mkpikpa Festival.
The statement noted that his commitment is driven by the belief that every generation owes a duty to protect the customs and traditions handed down by their forefathers, describing the annual celebration as one of the cultural pillars that has sustained the identity of the Umudioka people over the years.
The festival is scheduled to hold on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Ugwueze Village Square, Umudioka, in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, with activities commencing at 12 noon.
According to the statement, this year’s celebration will feature colourful cultural displays, traditional music and dance performances, masquerade outings, community interactions and other attractions that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the ancient kingdom.
It further stated that beyond its entertainment value, the Mkpikpa Festival occupies a special place in the cultural life of Umudioka as one of the foremost traditional festivals celebrated by the community.
The statement explained that the festival is observed after the cultivation of yam and marks the beginning of a period of rest, thanksgiving and communal fellowship. It also serves as an opportunity for the people to express gratitude to God and honour the memories and legacies of their ancestors for a fruitful farming season.
Giving further insight into the history of the celebration, the statement disclosed that the festival traditionally lasts for eleven days, beginning on the first Afor Market Day in the month of July. It added that in years when two Afor Market Days fall within the same month, the people observe the festival on the last Afor Market Day in keeping with the long-established customs and traditions of Umudioka.
Speaking ahead of the celebration, High Chief Nwabueze described the Mkpikpa Festival as much more than an annual cultural gathering.
He stressed that the festival represents the identity, history, unity and enduring values of the Umudioka people, noting that preserving such traditions remains essential to ensuring that younger generations do not lose touch with their roots.
He further stated that cultural festivals provide an avenue for strengthening peaceful coexistence, fostering unity among the people and promoting community development, while praying for a peaceful and successful celebration.
The statement called on indigenes of Umudioka, friends of the community and visitors from across the country to identify with the festival and witness one of the cultural traditions that has continued to define the heritage of the ancient kingdom from one generation to another.
