Friday, 1 January 2027 · Obu Achi Square
The Festival
Oga-Aga-Agwu-Agwu is the gathering of all Achi, held every three years at the house of our father. In 2027 it opens the new year.
The name
An unending festival
Oga-Aga-Agwu-Agwu is usually rendered as the festival that never ends. It is one of the most celebrated events in Achi and is normally held once every three years. Its purpose is simple: to remind Achi people of their strength when they come together, reason together and act as one.
The words also carry older memories. Writing on Achi history, Ozo Dr. Ginger Ibeneme II links oga-aga agwu-agwu to the war tactics Achi adopted long ago, which he traces to the Ekperioba formation brought by the Akwụ migrants. What began as a way of standing together in danger is now a way of standing together in celebration.
Why Obu Achi
In Achi tradition, our father Achi migrated from Afam Mmakụ with his siblings, crossed the hills and settled at Obu Achi, where his sons were born. The obu is the ancestral meeting house of a lineage. When the festival returns to Obu Achi, all twelve communities return to the father’s house.
Recent editions
The December 2020 edition featured cultural performances and coronations and was widely shared online. The 2027 edition is held on New Year’s Day.
Who runs it
The organizers
The festival reports to the Central Planning Committee, which works through twelve sub-committees.
Central Planning Committee
- Chairman and Custodian of Obu Achi: H.R.H. Igwe Chima F. Achiekwelu
- Secretary: Nze Chukwulindu Samuel
- FATU Co-ordinator: Hon. Ejike Ilo
- Protocol Officer: Mr. Chukwuma Dan
Official email: ogaagagwuachi2016@yahoo.com
Finance Sub-Committee
Plans the festival’s finances, coordinates the project accounts and donations, and reports the budget and progress to the CPC.
- Ozo Usman Mbaekwe (Chairman)
- Nze Jeff Uke
- Mr. Emezie Emmanuel
- Dr. Okey Ibeabuchi
- Chief Vinmartins Ilo
- Chief Princewell Okolo
- Chief John Orji
- Engr. Hillary Abaratu
- Sir Ken Ilojeme
- Chief Greg Onuora
- Diamond Ikeanyionwu
- Junior Mbajiofor
- Chief Bentley Chukwujindu
- Chief Ben Ozoadibe
Partners
Sponsor the festival
Festival operations are funded by our corporate sponsors, so that every Naira given by Achi people can go to the legacy.
Sponsors are thanked by name on the day, on this site and in the festival’s published accounts. Their support reaches Achi sons and daughters at home and across our chapters in Nigeria and abroad.
Corporate sponsors goal
₦150m
Pays for running the festival day, so that gifts from Achi people go to the legacy.
Plan your visit
Getting to Achi
Achi is the largest town in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State. From Enugu, travel west on the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway to Oji River, then take the Oji River–Achi–Awgu road south into Achi. From the Awgu side, the same federal road links Achi with Mmaku.
Road note. A section of the federal road between Egwu Achi and Mmaku collapsed after heavy rain in May 2026. Repair equipment was on site in June. Check locally before traveling that way.
While you are home
Eat abacha and okpa, Achi’s favorite foods. Visit the Achi-Nkpokolo waterfall, the ancient caves and the Ogbudu Ubo forest reserve. On 26 December, join Isikwe Day, one of the biggest annual gatherings in town.
