The Nzuko Odinani Welfare Association (NOWA), the umbrella body for Igbo sociocultural groups, has called on the Anambra State government to reconsider its ban on water sacrifices, emphasizing their historical, cultural, and spiritual importance in traditional worship.
During a gathering at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat in Awka, NOWA’s President General, Nze Onyebuchi Izuegbu, and Secretary General, Nze Dike Ugbaja, appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to allocate specific sections of streams for traditional sacrifices. They assured that traditionalists would clean up after their rituals, stressing that water sacrifices are an essential part of their practices.
The group also expressed support for the state government’s efforts to regulate religious practices but urged intervention against what they described as intimidation of traditionalists by security operatives and community leaders. They announced plans to establish a task force to identify bad elements among their members.
Responding, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Comrade Don Onyenji, commended NOWA for its collaboration with the government. He reassured them that Governor Soludo is not against traditional worship but is committed to ensuring a clean and livable environment for all residents.
