Abia State Seeks UNESCO Status for Ekponibro Cultural Festival

Following its recent celebration in Atan Abam, Arochukwu Local Government Area, the Ekponibro Cultural Festival is now the subject of an effort by Abia State officials to secure UNESCO status.

The effort to secure UNESCO status for the Ekponibro Cultural Festival involves a collaboration between state government bodies and a private philanthropic organization, aiming to elevate the local event to internationally recognized intangible heritage. According to The Whistler, proponents frame this push as a significant step toward placing Abia State on the global cultural map. The announcement's immediate consequence is the reported assignment of an individual to begin the process of seeking this prestigious endorsement, signaling a formal commitment.

What We Know So Far

• Abia State is actively working to have its cultural assets, including the Ekponibro Cultural Festival, enlisted on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, according to The Whistler.
• The recent festival was held in Atan Abam and organized by the Unubiko Foundation, which is under the leadership of Chief James Chijioke Ume.
• Chief Ume has reportedly assigned Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji the specific responsibility of securing the UNESCO endorsement for the cultural festival.
• The state's Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, has emphasized the festival's potential to attract international recognition for the region, The Whistler reports.

Why is Abia State Pursuing UNESCO Status for Ekponibro?

The pursuit of UNESCO status for the Ekponibro Cultural Festival is driven by a desire for greater international visibility and the formal preservation of indigenous heritage. Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, the state's Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, articulated the government's perspective, emphasizing the festival's role in positioning Abia State within a global context. According to The Whistler, he highlighted the event's significance in attracting international attention and acclaim, aligning with broader goals of cultural promotion and tourism development. This official endorsement from the state government provides a structural framework for the initiative, lending governmental weight.