Imo govt endorses Awo-Fest 2026, to partner with organisers
- Fidelis Ukebuo Foundation hails govt over endorsement
The Imo State Government has officially endorsed Awo-Fest 2026 and pledged to partner with the organisers, the Fidelis Ukebuo Foundation, in what is expected to become a major cultural, tourism and youth development event in the state.
The endorsement was conveyed in a letter dated July 1, 2026, signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Chief Eke Ikechukwu Henry, Ph.D., and addressed to the Chairman of the Awo-Fest 2026 Apex Planning Committee.
In the letter, the Office of the Special Adviser on Tourism commended the Fidelis Ukebuo Foundation for conceiving what it described as a visionary initiative aimed at promoting the rich cultural heritage of Awo-Omamma while creating opportunities for youth empowerment, creativity, entrepreneurship, digital innovation and tourism development.
According to the government, the proposed three-day festival aligns with the vision of the Imo State Government to promote tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, youth engagement, cultural preservation and community development.
The government noted that Awo-Fest 2026, with activities including cultural exhibitions, music concerts, youth mentorship, digital skills acquisition, game development, animation, emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, career development and networking sessions, has the potential to position Awo-Omamma as a leading cultural and tourism destination.
It added that the festival would attract visitors, investors, development partners and media attention while promoting peace, unity and social inclusion among young people.
Expressing its commitment to the initiative, the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism said it would partner with the Fidelis Ukebuo Foundation, subject to available resources, and encouraged continuous engagement to identify practical areas of collaboration that would ensure the successful delivery of the festival.
The government also expressed confidence that Awo-Fest 2026 would evolve into a landmark event capable of projecting Imo State positively while contributing significantly to tourism development, cultural preservation, youth empowerment and sustainable community growth.
Reacting to the endorsement, the Founder and Executive Director of the Fidelis Ukebuo Foundation, Jeffrey Uzoma Fidelis Ukebuo, described the approval as a defining moment for Awo-Omamma and the entire Oru East Federal Constituency.
He said the endorsement by the Imo State Ministry of Tourism was a strong affirmation that communities could achieve meaningful transformation when united behind a common vision.
Ukebuo expressed profound appreciation to the Imo State Government, particularly the Ministry of Tourism, for believing in the vision behind Awo-Fest 2026.
He also thanked the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Hon. Chief Ike Eke, for his support, encouragement and leadership, which he said played a significant role in achieving the milestone.
The foundation’s founder equally acknowledged the contributions of Hon. Uche Obiozor, Hon.Nicholas Ndedigwe, Professor Jude Ibe and members of the Awo-Fest Planning Committee for their commitment to making the project a reality.
Ukebuo noted that the endorsement came less than four months after planning began, describing the rapid progress as evidence of what could be achieved through purposeful leadership and community collaboration.
According to him, Awo-Fest was conceived as more than an entertainment event but as a long-term platform to discover and showcase local talents, facilitate skills transfer, stimulate tourism and hospitality, create economic opportunities and reposition Awo-Omamma as a community renowned for culture, innovation and limitless potential.
He called on sons and daughters of Awo-Omamma and Oru East, both at home and in the diaspora, to embrace the initiative through sponsorship, partnerships and active participation.
Ukebuo also invited corporate organisations, development partners and businesses to support the festival through sponsorship, donations and advertising opportunities.
“The endorsement we celebrate today is not the destination; it is the beginning of a much bigger journey. Together, we can build a legacy that inspires our young people, strengthens our local economy and places Awo-Omamma firmly on Nigeria’s tourism and cultural map,” he said.
For enquiries, partnerships, advertising opportunities and donations to the project, visit [www.fidelisukebuofoundation.org](https://www.fidelisukebuofoundation.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com) or email [hello@fidelisukebuofoundation.org](mailto:hello@fidelisukebuofoundation.org)
