As Eke Opens, We Stand With Those Who Never Left Us”

As Eke Opens, We Stand With Those Who Never Left Us”

As a new Eke rises and opens the eyes of the earth, we speak with humility and truth.
We lift our words to Chukwu Okike, the source that breathes life into all things, the keeper of order before order had a name.
We acknowledge our Chi, the silent companion of destiny, who stands with us in the open road and in the hidden turns of life.

We call our ancestors—those who walked this land with dignity, whose sweat fed the soil, whose words still guide our conscience.
Those known and those forgotten by name but remembered by blood, stand near us today.
Accept our gratitude for the protection we did not see, the dangers that passed without touching us, and the strength that carried us when we were unaware.

We honor Ala, Mother Earth, who carries us patiently, who receives our steps by day and our bodies by night,
the witness of our actions and the judge of our truth.
May our feet not offend you, may our hands not bring shame to the land that raised us.

We greet the rhythm of time—the sacred cycle of Eke, Orie, Afor, and Nkwo—
the balance that teaches us when to begin, when to wait, and when to rest.
As this Eke stands before us, let it open clean paths, honest encounters, and rightful opportunities.

We acknowledge the guardians of our homes and lineages,
the spirits of rivers that cool life, the forests that hide wisdom,
and the unseen forces that have stood watch when our eyes were closed and our voices were silent.

As we step into this day, walk ahead of us.
Straighten what is bent in our destiny.
Heal what time and neglect have wounded.
Let this Eke move us closer to purpose, peace, and right living.
May our going out and our return be balanced, and may gratitude never leave our mouths.”**