In a rare and highly anticipated outing, the feared Nso Nwerong Society took to the Mbveh market in Kumbo on Wednesday, 9th October 2024, in what is locally known in Lamnso as Kinsà hwaiÃ. Nwerong, one of the most secretive and powerful traditional institutions in Nso, used this outing to announce updates to the 2024 Ngonnso Cultural Festival, originally planned for November 26-30.
Contrary to the dates previously released in a joint statement by the Nso Cultural and Development Association (NSODA) and His Majesty, the Paramount Fon of Bui, the Nwerong society has set new dates for the festival. The Ngonnso Cultural Festival will now take place from Wednesday, 27th November to Wednesday, 4th December 2024. This adjustment has sent waves of anticipation through Nso communities both at home and abroad, as the extended festival period promises more days to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Nso people.
During the rare market-day appearance, the Nwerong did not limit itself to announcing the new festival dates. They also made several strategic clarifications and directives for the community. One of the key pronouncements was regarding the selection of family heads. Nwerong warned that once a family head (Fai or Shuu Fai) is chosen and endorsed, no appeals for a change will be entertained. The society stressed the importance of establishing properly constructed family houses to accommodate these heads, as they are not permitted to reside in their personal homes. This declaration reinforces Nso traditions, where the family head plays a central role in maintaining order and continuity within the extended family.
In another statement, Nwerong reiterated the importance of the Nso palace as a symbol of the people's collective heritage. They emphasised that while Fons may come and go, the palace stands as a lasting institution for all Nso sons and daughters. Nwerong called upon NSODA and all Nso sons and daughters of goodwill to unite in rebuilding and maintaining the palace, a task that requires communal effort and solidarity.
Regarding the upcoming Ngonnso Cultural Festival, Nwerong urged the Nso people to take ownership of the event. They called on every Nso son and daughter to ensure that food and other essentials are made available to sustain both the local community and the numerous visitors expected during the festival. In a move to promote broader support for the event, Nwerong encouraged religious bodies and other institutions based in Nso to contribute to the success of the festival.
This rare and symbolic outing by the Nwerong society has invigorated excitement and heightened expectations for the 2024 Ngonnso Cultural Festival, which is not only a celebration of heritage but also a platform for reinforcing traditional values and enhancing unity among the Nso people.
The updates and announcements were first reported by De Lavmfuh, a prominent platform dedicated to promoting Nso culture.
The return of the Ngonnso Cultural Festival promises to be both a grand homage to the founder Nso, Ngonnso, and a celebration of peace, reconciliation, and community spirit.
Ngonnso Cultural Festival 2024 will take place with the theme: the culture of peace and reconciliation.