By Dennis Agbo & Chinedu Adonu 

The Calls for skills empowerment and Cultural Revival for strategic thinking among youths resonated in Enugu state, on Wednesday and Thursday, when the 2025 Agbaja summit held in Enugu.

The state capital city was filled with excitement as the people of Agbaja cultural block hosted an education  empowerment summit, unique Cultural Carnival to boost growth and showcase the rich heritage of the area. 

Agbaja cultural zone is made up of about 90 communities in five local government areas of Enugu state. They held the first Agbaja summit in 2022 and this second edition on November 26 & 27.

The summit witnessed more impressions with the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, through his representative , saying  that skills acquisition was the way to go in the modern society and restated the government’s commitment to functional education, investment and inclusive governance. 

The creme la cream of Agbaja stakeholders and others were at the two days summit. They included former Governor Sullivan Chime, former Deputy Governor, Cecilia Ezeilo, the former Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo; Senator Osita Ngwu of Enugu West Senatorial district, Rep Sunday Umeh of Udi/Ezeagu federal constituency and Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Uche Ugwu.

Others included, fiery Catholic Priest, Monsignor Prof Obiora Ike; Prof Chike Anibeze, Surveyor Ugo Chime, Prof Agu Gab Agu, Dr. Ferdinand Anikwe, Dr. Festus Uzoh, Chief Laureta Aniagolu, Eze Ezeilo, Mr. Onochie Anibeze, Hon. Vitalis Ndu, Ekene Ozobu, among others.

Education, skills empowerment, dominated discussion and practice at the colloquium, with students education empowerment programmes. The need for education that empowers youths with skills to take control of their society was highlighted.

“Knowledge has become the new currency of power. Skills have become the new economic passport. In Enugu State, we have committed ourselves to this global reality. That is why we are building: 260 Smart Schools, one in every ward, with world-class digital classrooms and laboratories,” Governor Mbah said.

Former Governor Chime said that the pursuit of education and empowerment actually underlines and enunciates the driving philosophy and innate attributes of the Agbaja people.

Professor Obiora Ike who delivered the keynote address emphasized that education and skills development building would build generations of youth through values for societal change.

Most speakers made similar remarks. The Chairman of the summit planning committee, Prof Chike Anibeze, said there is an Agbaja Development Blueprint with a proposed Agbaja center of Excellence for entrepreneurship in the state.

A carnival of culture at the Nnamdi Anikwe stadium marked the second day  where Prof Anibeze noted that the event was partly organized to revive culture and build on shared heritage, providing an opportunity for the youth to learn about their traditions and history. 

The carnival featured various cultural activities representing the diverse communities that make up Agbaja. Participants engaged in traditional dances, exhibitions of local foods such as Achicha, Abacha, and other delicacies, as well as displays of traditional artworks and crafts. 

The event also included a showcase of palm wine, known locally as “Aneke Chime,” symbolizing the region’s cultural practices. 

During an inspection tour led by former governor Sullivan Chime, he commended the organizers for their dedication and encouraged increased commitment to cultural preservation. He emphasized that skills and entrepreneurship are key to success and highlighted the talents present within Agbaja. 

Chime expressed his satisfaction with the exhibition, noting that Agbaja is blessed with talented and dedicated individuals committed to their cultural heritage. 

The event was lively and entertaining, featuring masquerades and dancers from various communities. Notable masquerades included Anunuebe, Mgbadike, Agama, Oganigwe, Adamma Ngwo, Inyiagboku, Okanga Ngwo, among others. 

The event successfully celebrated and reinforced the importance of cultural heritage, fostering unity and pride among the people of Agbaja.