The Otampa Cultural Festival Committee held its meeting on Sunday, August 24, 2025, to deliberate on preparations for the upcoming cultural celebration. The session began with an opening prayer by Chimaobi Ben Okorie, followed by opening remarks from the Head of the HGF Committee, Nigeria, DCN Nelson Aghogu.
General Information
DCN Nelson reported that after discussions with the Otampa Development Union (ODU), it was agreed that ODU will not participate financially in this year’s edition but will be actively involved in planning. From the next edition onward, ODU will contribute financially, with expenditures shared between ODU and HGF, while profits will be reinvested in jointly adopted projects.
He also announced the appointment of Chimaobi Okorie as head of the Media and Publicity Department, assisted by Nwamara Asonye. Members were asked to suggest additional team members. The first tranche of funds will be released in September 2025, to support execution of plans.
Venue
The event will take place at Otampa Community School, with ODU tasked to work on improving accessibility to the venue.
Finance
The issue of a dormant account was raised. Onyekachi Aguocha suggested reactivating the account rather than abandoning it. The Finance Department was tasked to resolve this within the week.
Media & Publicity
- Approval of funds for digital coverage was proposed to allow the team to focus on supervisory roles.
- Members were asked to pay for adverts in the festival brochure at a subsidized rate.
- Mr. Chukwudi Ojimba, a son of Otampa, offered to cover some costs for banners and jingle airing.
- Key adjustments made:
- Kindred sensitization removed.
- Social media ads reduced to ₦20,000 overall.
- Digital coverage to be renegotiated.
- Music & DJ arrangements to be discussed with Igoyan.
- The festival jingle should not exceed one minute.
Procurement
Okechukwu Bravo Madukwe and Sunday Uzoigwe will oversee entertainment, canopies, decorations, tents, reserved chairs, sofas, and tables.
Cultural Displays
Led by CSO Linus Nwankwo and Bosco Oleh, the lineup will include:
- Nwa Uto
- Ekwe Mgba (Ekpiri) – Mgbelu vs Agbor matchup
- Adanma
- Akpatakpa
- Kindred Presentations
- Ekpe
- Comic Act (by Chinonso Agbaeze with local performers)
Linus noted that the Ikperikpe Ogu requires repairs. The Ekwe has been acquired, but Ekpiri and hand gongs are yet to be secured.
Invitees
The committee will:
- Compile names from kindreds and outside Otampa.
- Prepare notifications and reminders for invitees.
Any Other Business (AOB)
- Proposal to reward the best yam farmer was suspended due to timing (ọkọchi season). Instead, plans will be made to expand Otampa’s Iriji Festival, starting from next year, in line with celebrations in Umuobiala and Eluama.
- Concerns were raised about the absence of most ODU representatives, apart from the late arrival of the President General.
- Committee Uniform: Members agreed on a uniform for the committee on festival day. Linus Nwankwo was tasked with finding out the cost of materials. Kindreds will independently arrange their own uniforms.
Attendance
- Chimaobi Ben Okorie
- Onyekachi Aguocha
- Linus Nwankwo
- Okechukwu Madukwe
- DCN Nelson Aghogu
- Sunday Uzoigwe
- Onyebuchi Elendu