01/09/2026
RUMUEME KINGDOM UNITES IN SPLENDOUR AT CULTURAL HERITAGE FESTIVAL
The people of Rumueme Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area have come together in a display of high enthusiasm and pride to celebrate the Kingdom’s Cultural Heritage Festival under the distinguished leadership of His Majesty, Henry Nyeche Nsirim.
The historic event, held at the Royal Palace of the Nyenwe-Eli Rumueme, came on the heels of the dawn of a new era of traditional leadership in the Kingdom.
The festival was aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Rumueme Kingdom, preserving it from extinction, and promoting unity and social cohesion among the people.
The celebration drew participants from across the various communities of Rumueme Kingdom, including Rumukpakani, Rumuchida, Oro-Owo, Ibemerum, Oro-Azi, Oro-Agbolu, Mgbu-Oroazi, Eligbam, and Oro-Akwor.
His Majesty, formally opened the August gathering with the traditional breaking of kola nut, symbolizing hospitality, peace, unity and sacred traditional communion with their forebears.
Guests at the festival, comprising indigenes and non-indigenes from all walks of life, were treated to breathtaking and spectacular performances by renowned cultural troupes including the Eligbam United Cultural Group, Owengbe International Cultural Group of Woji, the Oboni of Rumueme Town and Rumuepirikom Cultural Group.
The atmosphere was filled with traditional music, drums, masquerade displays, indigenous dances, procession by Rumueme women, and displays of traditional cuisines and artifacts, reflecting the Kingdom’s deep-rooted customs and traditions.
A prominent Chief of Oro-owo community, Oji-owhor Nyekazi Chukwu who spoke at the occasion said the festival is about their identity as it reminds them of who they are, where they come from, and the values that bind them together as a people.
In his remarks, the Monarch of Rumueme Kingdom, His Majesty Henry Nyeche Nsirim commended the people for their turnout and unity.
He declared that the festival would be an annual celebration of the heritage and unity of the Kingdom.
"Today, Rumueme has spoken with one voice. Our culture is our strength, and we must protect it for generations yet unborn. This festival will now be an annual celebration of our heritage and unity," His Majesty declared.
Some of the dignitaries who graced the occasion included the Onu-Eze-ka-Eze of Ogbaland, Chief Orlu Azubuike; the CEO of Ace Center Driving School, Port Harcourt, Mr. Nduka Ejoh; and the Rivers State Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor.
They lauded the Monarch of Rumueme Kingdom, His Majesty Henry Nyeche Nsirim, for leveraging the culture and traditions of the land in uniting the people for the peace and development of the area.
Some participants expressed excitement about their experience at the festival, while thanking His Majesty, Henry Nyeche Nsirim for showcasing, reviving, and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Rumueme Kingdom.
They described the event as a unifying platform and long overdue.
The event also had in attendance the only surviving wife of the late Nyenwe-Eli and Apiti of Rumueme Kingdom, members of the Nsirim Royal Family, elders, chiefs, women and youth groups, including the Rumueme Women Empowerment Forum, the Rumueme Kingdom Youth Council, and the Rumueme Youth Empowerment Forum.
Signed:
The Media,
Palace of the Nyenwe-Eli of Rumueme Kingdom
Obio/Akpor Local Government Area,
Rivers State
Saturday 29th August, 2026.
