The Okpala Elishi of Ogume, His Royal Eminence Obuenwe Sir Valentine Sunday Akpati, announced the festival's conclusion on January 2, 2025. He expressed gratitude to God for the peaceful celebration and commended the Ogume Family for embracing their cultural heritage.
The Okpala Elishi emphasized the importance of protecting and sustaining the community's culture to prevent it from going into extinction. He encouraged the Ogume Family to continue preserving their traditions and customs.
He said Ogume is a peace loving Nation,adding that there was need to always identify with one another.
His Royal Eminence Valentine Akpati said Ukpalabo is a special season where everyone comes out to honour the Ansestors and advised them to always embrace peace and love.
Also speaking, one of the Instructors,Mr.Peceta Brebor revealed that Ogume people are one and stressed the need for them to work together for the good and progress of the people.
He said Ukpalabo Festival was a time when the age grades come together and celebrate and commended the efforts of the Okpala Elishi,His Royal Eminence Valentine Akpati for the success of this year's celebration.
One of the Okpala Ukus, Chief Joseph Igelige,who spoke, said the ceremony was the beginning of a new year, saying that after the Festival they will have to plan for the next season.
He Commended his people for the success of the ceremony and advised them to hold on to their culture, saying that they met it and there was need to preserve it.
