By Esther Onyegbula

In a moment that underscored the intersection of leadership, legacy and cultural preservation, Major General Raymond Nkemakonam Ochei on Friday played host to the Organization for the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC) and members of his secondary school Class of 1984, urging all Anioma sons and daughters to embrace unity, love and cultural revival in the spirit of the Easter season.

The dual event at Eagle Court, his family home in Onicha-Olona, served as a platform for the serving Army Major General to reaffirm his commitment to the cultural and communal development of Aniomaland. It came just two days before OFAAC’s much-anticipated annual cultural fiesta, which holds every Easter Monday in Asaba.

Addressing the OFAAC delegation led by Architect Kester Ifeadi and flanked by traditional rulers and cultural custodians, Ochei said the preservation of indigenous heritage is a matter of urgency in an age where globalization threatens local identities.

According to Major General, “Cultural heritage across the world is at risk of extinction. Therefore, their preservation should be an urgent and important agenda for every culture-loving individual or organization.”

Lauding OFAAC’s dedication to Anioma culture since its establishment in 2003, Ochei praised the organization’s work in youth empowerment, cultural education, and community development. He described the group’s flagship Easter Monday event as “a unifying platform that not only celebrates heritage but rekindles pride among Anioma people globally.”

The Major General who was visibly emotional during parts of his speech, paid glowing tribute to the late Omu Anioma, Her Royal Majesty Obi Martha Dunkwu, calling her “a philosopher and a repository of Anioma culture.”

“As we celebrate our heritage, people like her deserve a mention for their contributions towards preserving our identity,” Ochei said.

He also made a passionate appeal to OFAAC: “Become more aggressive with your campaign. Time waits for no one. Let your activities resonate with our people everywhere.”

Responding, OFAAC’s President, Architect Kester Ifeadi described Ochei as “a humble king in his own right,” praising his influence in reviving Anioma consciousness through culture, service and philanthropy. He highlighted OFAAC’s efforts beyond cultural events, including health insurance schemes, microcredit programs and youth empowerment initiatives.

“We formed OFAAC to confront an identity crisis, and today we have gone far in harmonizing our cultural narratives,” Ifeadi said. He expressed optimism that the Easter Monday festival would soon gain official recognition as Anioma Day.

Among the dignitaries present were His Royal Majesty Henry Kikachkwu, Obi of Ubulu-Unor and Vice Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers; and His Royal Majesty Obi Clement Ejiofor of Ukala Kingdom.

Earlier that day, Major General Ochei also welcomed his classmates from the Class of 1984 of St. Pius Xth Grammar School, Onicha-Ugbo. In a display of seasonal generosity, he offered empowerment to some of his old schoolmates, continuing a long-standing tradition of supporting his peers.

Friday’s event, rich in culture, camaraderie and nostalgia, spotlighted the growing movement among Anioma elites to use their platforms for cultural rejuvenation, unity and communal growth. For Ochei, a soldier-scholar turned cultural advocate, it was yet another day of bridging the past with the present, for the future of Anioma.