By Timothy Ejoh
Dallas, Texas – Chief (Dr.) Frank Egwu has urged Ejeme people to urgently revive their tradition and cultural practices, warning that key aspects of the community’s heritage are being eroded.
Chief Egwu, the Ebube-Dike 1 of Ejeme Kingdom, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, made the call while speaking at the “Ejeme North America Convention 2026”, in Dallas United States of America.
The event, themed “Cultural Echoes”, held at Lux Hotel, Arlington Texas on August 1.
He stated that the convention aims to revive Ejeme identity, values and traditions handed down by ancestors, which have come under threat from modernization, migration and language attrition.
“Development should not require the abandonment of identity. Rather, true progress occurs when a people preserve their heritage while embracing positive change,” Chief Egwu said.
He traced Ejeme’s traditional system to a form of republican democracy that allowed adult participation in decision-making. The Obi, he said, is selected from the Umu Akulu ruling house, while the Ogbunor and Obeleche lineages produce the Okpala Uku, the eldest who supports the leadership structure and settles disputes.
Chief Egwu, a well-known philanthropist, highlighted the role of institutions that once sustained order in Ejeme, including town criers as official channels of communication, age grades for communal labour and sanitation, and a justice system centered on reconciliation. He also cited the Adofi Deity as historically prominent in dispute resolution.
On the economy, he noted that land was once held communally and farmers practiced rotational and cooperative farming. With commercial crops now replacing food crops, he urged a return to cooperative farming and sustainable agriculture to strengthen food security.
Chief Egwu also listed festivals such as New Yam, Ikpo Eja, Ifejekwu, Utomi and Ulior as platforms for cultural education and unity, saying many have disappeared and need revival to reconnect younger generations with their heritage.
He expressed concern over the loss of the Ejeme dialect, noting that interaction with neighboring communities had led to “bastardization” of words, names, spelling and pronunciation.
The philanthropist said responsibility for preservation lies with traditional institutions, elders, parents and youth.
He called for documentation of history, teaching of traditions, and celebration of festivals.”As we look to the future, let us ensure that the echoes of our culture do not fade into silence. Instead, let them continue to inspire, guide, and strengthen generations yet unborn,” he said.
Ejeme is an agrarian community in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.
He called for documentation of history, teaching of traditions, and celebration of festivals.”As we look to the future, let us ensure that the echoes of our culture do not fade into silence. Instead, let them continue to inspire, guide, and strengthen generations yet unborn,” he said.
Ejeme is an agrarian community in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.
