*His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Kenneth Onyemaeke Orizu III
Preparations have intensified for the historic centenary celebration of Africa’s longest-serving monarch, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Kenneth Onyemaeke Orizu III, CON, JP, the revered Igwe na Eje Uka, renowned for his steadfast faith and exemplary leadership.
The Obi of Otolo and Igwe of Nnewi Kingdom, who turned 100 on October 30, 2025, will be formally celebrated during his annual Ofala festival on 28th–29th December 2025, marking an extraordinary 62 years on the throne of his ancestors.
As part of this grand milestone, the Entertainment, Media and Events Promoters Association of Nigeria (EMEPAN) and the All Africa Media Network (AAMN) are staging “Egwu Onwa”- an African Intercultural Exchange, designed to attract royalties, diplomats, cultural custodians, and global institutions to honor African heritage in a night of elegance, reflection, and unity.
Egwu Onwa – A Night of Royalty, Culture & Memory, will hold on December 27, 2025 at Igwe Nnewi Palace & Nnewi Museum and promises an enchanting evening celebrating Africa’s rich cultural identity through:
● Storytelling and folklore dramatizations
● Traditional dance performances
● Royal panel sessions on leadership, unity, and intergenerational knowledge
● Art exhibition powered by Mapping Colonial History, hosted at the Nnewi Museum
● Keynote sessions from global cultural institutions including the Teaching Artists Institute, Baltimore, USA
Esteemed guests – including traditional rulers, international organizations, artists, and scholars – are expected to grace the event.
A major highlight is the Royal Arrival, featuring red carpet reception, sacred rites, a guided museum tour, and keynote presentations on culture, heritage preservation, and the legacy of Igwe Orizu III.
To ensure broad coverage across Nigeria and the African continent, Afia TV, a culture and lifestyle-oriented TV (DSTV channel 254) has been confirmed as the Official Media Partner for Egwu Onwa, bringing her expertise in cultural broadcasting and event documentation to amplify the celebration’s reach and significance.
Egwu Onwa is more than a cultural showcase – it is a convergence of royalty, art, history, and dialogue – honoring a monarch whose century-long life symbolizes peace, integrity, and visionary leadership.
“This celebration is well-deserved for a great servant leader,” said Madu Amaobi Kingsley (Obifaruk), EMEPAN’s Head of Communication. He reaffirmed that the event will offer an unforgettable experience, uniting Africa’s past, present, and future in the warm spirit of cultural pride.
