PREAMBLE
This year’s cultural week at our school, Gioja secondary school, Mgbele Oguta LGA, Imo State, was a memorable one which showcased diversity, creativity and traditions of our today’s life encounter or activities.
The week commenced on Tuesday, 11th November, 2025. It began with an opening remark and a speech by the former Miss Culture, Miss. Akunebu Lilian Ukamaka and a procession of cultural groups representing various houses from Red House ( ulo obara obara ), Green House ( ulo akwukwo ndu ), Yellow House ( ulo Edo Edo ), White House ( ulo ocha ), Blue House ( ulo anunu anunu) showcased and presented a short speech of introduction of their different houses using the native dialect, which is the Igbo language. The principal officially declared the week open, emphasising the importance of preserving our cultural identity while embracing global diversity. Students wore their native attire or dresses throughout the week. The energy and excitement set the tone for the days ahead.
The debate took centre stage as different groups displayed well organized routine, each reflecting unique stories and traditions. The debate topic was ” Traditional culture is more important than modern culture”, which can be translated to Igbo as ” Omenala odinala ka mma karia Omenala Nke ugbua “. This topic not only entertains but also educates. The riddles and jokes, including the translation of the English language sentence into the central Igbo language, known as Igbo Izugbe.
The spelling bee in the Igbo language was quite entertaining and educational. All these activities took place within the days of the week.
One of the stand out event during the week was the drama which every group presented. The drama emphasised Igbo culture. Poetry was also dramatised. All the drama or poetry was derived from the recommended books of the WAEC and NECO for the 2026 to 2030 academic session. This initiative was formulated to awaken and help the students understand the power of reading culture and drama in a verified institution like ours.
The grand finale was on Friday, 14th November, 2025. It was a day not to forget, so soon as so many traditional activities were displayed; the NKOWA OJI IGBO, by Onuoha Emmanuel. A talk on culture by Nwada Akunebu Lilian Ukamaka with a whole lot of other events such as the dancing competition, which was subdivided into different ethnic groups; the Igbo dance by ulo anunu anunu, the Yoruba dance by ulo Edo Edo, the Northern dance by akwukwo ndu, the Efic dance by ulo obara obara and finally the Tiv dance by ulo Ocha. These cultural dance events came into place to promote other cultures in the school because not only is the Igbo culture adopted, but also because students from different cultural backgrounds or tribes were present. The best group from other days of the event presented their drama. The grand finale was great as we were graced with two notable traditional rulers of two communities within the area. The Igwe of Mgbele, our community, and the Ezeigwe of Nnebukwu community, respectively. They watched with nostalgia as the inventor reminded them of their childhood days. The cultural pageant was a moment of Elegance, intelligence and cultural passion. Their performance showcased confidence, understanding and pride in their heritage. The crowning of a new cultural ambassadors ( Mr and Miss Culture) marked a continuation of a cherished school tradition; which master Uzoma, Emmanuel and Miss Chukwu, Chinonso Agnes were the winners. Another unforgettable event was the preparation and presentation of traditional dishes, giving everyone an opportunity to experience the flavour from various regions. The traditional decoration was colourful and organised according to the colour of the houses, which made the invent colorful.
Finally, the overall cultural week 2025 was a vibrant celebration of unity in diversity, reminding everyone of the importance of preserving and appreciating our cultural heritage. The cultural week was more than just an entertainment but a lesson, an educational package, a celebration of the deepest understanding of our valued culture and a reminder that although we come from different backgrounds, we are United by respect for diversity and shared values.
BY ✍️
AKUNEBU LILIAN UKAMAKA
EDITED BY ✍️
OKWUOHA PASCHAL CHIDIEBERE