The traditional rulers of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient kingdom in Nsukka local Government Area of Enugu state, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Samuel Asadu (Igwe Ogadagidi) has expressed his appreciation for the donation of a massive parcel of land by his village, Ubogidi Edem Ani.
Ubogidi is one of the villages that made up the Edem-Ani Ogwugwu ancient kingdom where Igwe Asadu held from.
Igwe Asadu made this known in Nsukka at the weekend while speaking with newsmen.
The monarch who is the Chairman of Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers said that the donation of the land which is 20 plots of land and is very close to his palace drew tears from his eyes and melted his heart.
He nicknamed the parcel of land "Graceland: the 9th Wonder of the World" adding that it will serve as an event centre museum, an empowerment centre, among other things.
According to the traditional ruler, "It is a game-changing phenomenon. I never felt so good. I never felt so happy. Aside University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in the whole of the Enugu north senatorial zone, nobody, no community has done what my people have done for me to empower the citizens of my community. My village is called Ugbodigi. I owe them everything. The youths particularly played a vital role in securing the land for me. In fact, when they agreed to give me the land, I cried. After crying they told me that King doesn't cry but this one is beyond my expectations. They told me to take as much as I want. That is why I named it Graceland. It is a land of grace. I have lived all my life here. I was born here, but I never knew that that piece of land was there."
On what the place will be used for, he explained that "that place will be used for Ofala ground, new yam festival ground, Christmas party ground, and get-together. There will be a museum and a guest house there. Luckily for me, the UNN department of Archaeology and Tourism has found me worthy to have my first lecture on November, 13, 2025 on Ofala festival, with the theme "Ofala Festival and Heritage Preservation in Igboland," he said.
On the forthcoming Iwa Ji and 1st Ofala festival, scheduled to hold on 14th and 15 November 2025, he said it is a festival of forgiveness and bountiful harvest. It is also time for thanksgiving for the peace and harmony in the land. Now, I am Chairman of traditional rulers in Enugu state, I have to bless the Igboland, I have to bless Enugu state."
On how the forthcoming Ofala festival activities will look like, the former chairman of the South East zone council of traditional rulers stated that "It is also to thank God for His goodness. We are also going to give merit awards to some people. Ferotex Engineering provided field machinery for our road construction. We also pray for those who have died. We expect the deputy governor of Delta state, the general manager of TCN (the energy company in Nigeria). Former Deputy Controller General of Immigration, traditional rulers, National Council of traditional rulers of Nigeria, Prince Arthur Eze, among other members of the society. However, any proceeds I get from all the lineup activities will go to the development of our market. I am sure you have heard about the Nweke Edem-Ani market. So if I am able to lay the foundation stone in my own time, it will be an honour and a challenge for other markets around. It will give my people an economy. This is because if you don't have an economy where you sell things, people will not support what you are doing."
The Royal Father urged all his people and beyond to come out en masse to attend the Ofala festival coming up on November 15, 2025.
Igwe I ga adi oooooooh. We are so proud of you
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