Chief Tony Ndanenu, Director-General of the Ashaka Carnival and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has emphasised that lasting peace and unity are the foundation for meaningful development in any community.
He made the call while speaking in Abuja on Friday as he reviewed the recently concluded Ashaka Carnival and highlighted the importance of safeguarding the town’s cultural identity.
According to him, no level of effort or investment can translate into progress in the absence of harmony and collective purpose within a community.
Ndanenu therefore appealed to indigenes of Ashaka town in Delta State to embrace peace and unity as a pathway to shared growth and sustainable development.
He explained that beyond entertainment, the Ashaka Carnival was designed to bring sons and daughters of the town, both at home and in the diaspora, together during the Christmas season.
He said the event also serves as a platform for preserving cultural heritage for future generations while promoting the overall development of Ashaka.
The carnival, he noted, featured prominently the Ulege and Odogwu dances, alongside other activities, describing them as age-long cultural expressions that have endured for over a century.
The Director-General described the Ashaka Carnival as a major cultural asset in Delta State and urged local, state and federal authorities to support it as part of efforts to preserve Nigeria’s rich traditions.
He further portrayed Ashaka as a growing tourist destination that hosts one of the largest annual gatherings in Delta every December.
While encouraging various quarters of the town to showcase their unique dances and masquerades, Ndanenu stressed that the Ashaka Carnival remains a common ground that binds the entire community.
“I appeal to my people to allow love to lead. Even if different quarters present their masquerades and dances, none should undermine the collective community carnival.
“We are one people, and there is no place for division. Ashaka must remain united, and we call for greater participation from everyone,” he said.
He expressed concern that some community members did not take part in the Ulege dance or attend the musical performances during the just concluded carnival.
Ndanenu said stronger collective commitment would be required to ensure a more successful celebration in December 2026, adding that the carnival’s core objective is unity and development.
He advised that while constructive criticism is welcome, actions capable of threatening peace or undermining the carnival’s purpose should be avoided.
He assured that feedback and observations from the recent edition would be carefully reviewed by the Central Working Committee to enhance future celebrations.
Ndanenu also appreciated Chief Mike Ubogu, Chief Chris Ogwu and other supporters for their financial and moral contributions, commending participants and committee members for their dedication.
During the event, awards were presented to distinguished leaders of Ashaka, including a posthumous honour for Mr Dominic Abanum, popularly known as Okpum, in recognition of his legendary role in the Odogwu dance.
Other honours included the conferment of the title of Eze Odogwu on Okwa Obi Aniefor and the naming of Eddy Onokoka as all-time Eze Igwe, with both recipients receiving tokens of appreciation in celebration of their contributions to the community.