By Uka Onuma
It is the culmination of Iri ji in Nguzu. This is the day everybody that says they're going to "Ike ji Nguzu" is referring to.
As the tiring feet of the Eyighiya dancers wane, the early morning sleep of some toddlers are truncated by some able-bodied young men, who have come to whisk them away, while chanting and chiming bells, announcing the name of the boy in their 'custody'. This step is repeated as the boy is brought back with praises heaped on the father.
These are boys whose parents have chosen to participate in this festivity for the first time.
They're put in the care of their adult handlers, who take them on this early morning run to the white mud forest (Ofia Nzu), about three or more miles or six kilometres away.
The handler, in compensation for taking the boy to Ofia Nzu, officially gets the testicles of the he-goat that will be slaughtered on the boy's honour.
These first runners to Nzu herald the event of the day.
Igba Nzu is open to all sons of Nguzu. All daughters and friends of Nguzu are always encouraged to be present to enjoy the festivities, because you cannot enjoy this ceremony from afar, hence the saying, "Adighi ano Ugwu Olo, elere Nzu". Simply put: "No matter how you stretch your neck, you cannot watch the Nzu festival from the famous Olo Hills of Ekoli."
The next phase, after the toddlers, are for boys and men of all ages. The young adults are supposed to lead the way with machetes in hand. This is not a stance for war, but to clear the path to Ofia Nzu so that the morning dews will be kind to those who will come later.
At the revered grounds, everybody is mandated to get into the clay walls/cave, dig out white mud and adorn their bodies generously with the white substance.
When all is done, they organise themselves according to their ages and villages, and the long trek homeward begins with joyous songs that make the six-kilometre journey seem like a stone throw.
At the town square, spectators are treated to various artistic displays of dances and songs, embedded with skits to thrill the audience.
The last batch to visit Ofia Nzu during the morning session is the Ebiri chief priest and the members of his oracle, who go there to perform some rites.
The climax of the day is the afternoon session of Igba Nzu, dubbed, "Nzu Ogere.
The formal attire for this occasion is simple - Jorge or Ukara wrapper and a traditional style wool-knitted hat (okpu agu).
The afternoon session sees more participants than the morning session as some come out to show their affluence or just grace the occasion. The beautiful array of colours from the outfits brighten the town.
It is untraditional for men to tie their wrappers, and at the same time, wear T-shirts during the dance.
Young men and boys run around in different directions, with bells jingling, beckoning their friends to come out and join them as they prepare for another trek to Ofia Nzu.
Suddenly, the town is calm as the men have gone to prepare for the grand finale.
Just about 3 p.m., the whole town is thrown into frenzy as the men appear in groups, village by village, fill the town square, rocking the spectators with different songs, and gyrating to the rhythm and choruses of their renditions.
After entertaining the spectators at the town square, each village retires to their domains to entertain those that did not make the trek to the town square.
At the culmination of the dance, everyone goes to a common river to take a bath to wash off the white mud.
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