Ugoma Cultural Dance Group Celebrates First Year Anniversary/ Fund Raising, Thrill Guest With Exciting Performances.
By Onome Naomi
The Ugoma cultural dance troop is a significant Igbo dance group of performers with expressive statements through the art of traditional dance, the display of a rich cultural heritage to promote culture and tradition.
Its first year Anniversary and Fundraising event was celebrated in style with the attendance of highly placed individuals in attendance, the “Cream de la Cream”of the society, which includes Traditional rulers, Palace Chiefs from the Palace of Truth and other notable VIPs on the 18th Dec., 2022.
There was an array of events as well as the breaking of colanut which traditionally signifies solidarity and the commencement of events, the ushering of guest, a speech from the host Eze. Dr. Chika Nwokedi, Eze Okpoko 1 of Ijegun Ijeododo, Igbo cultural dance displays, cutting of cake, fundraising and so on.
Hon.Chief Mrs. Rufina Emedurunwa (Ezenwanyi Gburugburu, Ochiora 1of Ijegun/Ijeododo kingdom(Akum Gbawara Ugbo)(Nne Egwu Ugoma Cultural Dance lagos),the mother of the dance group of over 30 members expressed gratitude for the advancement of the socio cultural dance group as it celebrates one year anniversary. She stated that the dance troop is also using the opportunity of an anniversary to solicit for support to further give the group a befitting chance to explore and entertain people.
Hon Rufina said:
“In Lagos state the Igbos are very prominent so everyone should naturally embrace culture and heritage, knowing your root is paramount in the affairs of customs and tradition. The very essence of the group is to entertain and express culture and tradition through the art of dancing,we have to inculcate the culture into our children by showcasing this kind of performances…”
“We are paid to entertain and promote culture, the Igbo cultural dance is an exercise too, it brings about interaction because of its richness and expressive act. Our attire and movement is in synchrony with the essence of the igbo dance and in five years time we see ourselves being well known for our displays.”
She also stated that the troop is soliciting for sponsors to promote the socio cultural dance group, funds to enhance the traditional attire as well as varieties of it, funds to possess more instruments for the dance and have easy mobility by way of a bus to convey the troops to destinations.
The dance group anniversary is aimed at raising funds for its cultural development and enhancement, Hon. Rufina quipped.
There was cutting of cakes and fund raising activities as the group thrilled guest with exciting traditional dance.
The Host of Ugoma Cultural Dance Group, Eze. Dr. Chika Nwokedi, Okpoko 1 of Ijegun/Ijeododo told Naomisophyblog that the dance group has been adopted by the palace 3 months ago. He reveals that the reason behind the adoption isn’t far fetched for the fact that he has two prominent palace chiefs of his cabinet as The Father and Mother of the dance group in persons of Onowu Chief Emeka and Hon. Chief Mrs Rufina.
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He further revealed that the dance group on it’s one year anniversary solicited for funds to create mobility, for the buying a vehicle of conveyance needed by the group to aid responsive movement to paid performances at events for the sole purpose of entertainment through dance. We had Nine cabinet members in attendance to support the dance group immensely as there is need to also buy some instruments for rhythm, he said.
He stated that the group is unique for creating its sole traditional music and dances to it rhythmically, they own the originality of the music.
Thanking God for the turn up, Eze Okpoko 1 was impressed by the way the group showcased their dances which attracted the audience to participate immensely as people came out emass to support them. He also promised that as time goes by, massive support will be given to promote development, to make their music known . As a progressive socio cultural dance group I see them achieving massive recognition in no distant time from now due to their tenacity in the art of dancing traditional he said.
