By Paul Mamattah
The Nii Odoi Kwao Family of Osu, has met with their Fulani tenants in Nima to perform the annual traditional rites, leading to the renewal of a long-standing settlement agreement between their forefathers.
The annual customary rites, which date back to the 19th century, serve as a time for the community to unite and honour their ancestors, seek blessings for the upcoming year and foster unity among family members.
The annual customary rites are a cornerstone of the community’s cultural identity, bringing together families to pay tribute to their forebears and seek blessings for the year ahead.
Through purification ceremonies, libations, prayers, and offerings, the community reaffirms its devotion to its ancestral roots.
The festive atmosphere was further enriched by traditional dances and music performances, fostering a sense of unity and celebration among attendees.
The Fulani families, include the Mulai Abid Jallo, Hamadu Futa and Braimah Gimbala. Others are the Koola, Haruna and Wangara families of Nima.
The Nii Odoi Kwao family, alongside the various families, take immense pride in their roles as guardians of this age-old tradition.
Speaking to the media after the performance of the rites at Osu, the Head of the Nii Odoi Kwao Family of Osu-Anumansah, Nii Odoi Kwao II, who explained the significance of the occasion, said an agreement to give a portion of the family land to some Fulani Herdsmen and their family, together with their cattle to settle in Nii Maŋ, which in the modern day is referred to as Nima, has since become a yearly ritual which mandates the descendants of the Nima Fulani Family settlers to renew their tenancy agreement with the Odoi Kwao Family of Osu-Anumansah.
He advised the youth, particularly those in Nima, to distance themselves from the stereotype of violence often associated with their community urging them to resist being manipulated by politicians aiming to incite mayhem during the election period.
Nii Odoi Kwao II, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and unity among the youth of Nima to foster development and progress stressing the potential of the neighbourhood and urging the young people to harness their talents and energy towards positive endeavours.
Nii Odoi Kwao II, called on the youth to be vigilant and identify these politicians who seek to exploit them and advised them to critically evaluate the messages propagated by political figures and assess their capacity to promote development and unity.
Through education and active participation in civic activities, he encouraged the youth to be well-informed and to demand accountable leadership.
The Chief of Nima, Abachena Gimbala IV, who presented tokens of appreciation, which included a cow to the Nii Odoi Kwao Family, thanked the Family for their hospitality and support over the years.
He assured the people of Nima of his commitment to ensure a cleaner community. In this regard, he revealed plans with other leaders in the area to engage Zoom Lion Refuse Trucks to cart garbage produced in the community daily; to make Nima a cleaner place to live.
