Ebonyi: NGO convokes cultural carnival, vows to resuscitate Igbo culture, customs

By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

A non governmental organization, NGO, on the aegis of ‘Ike-Elechi Ogba foundation’ has said it’s partnering with prominent stakeholders and government of Ebonyi State to resuscitate Igbo culture and tradition that is, almost going into extinction.

The deputy vice chancellor, Academics of Ebonyi State University, Prof.Ike-Elechi Ogba, the leader of the organization, said the cultural carnival and Art exhibition were convoked to showcase African culture and Nigerian culture, in particular Ebonyi State culture.

The foundation, equally launched a book title ‘Echoes of a Regal Throne”, and held at the faculty of social sciences and humanities hall, Ebonyi State University permanent site, Abakaliki.

The Nations News reports that the cultural heritage event and other Art exhibition/ book launch was attended by prominent stakeholders; the governor of Ebonyi State Francis Nwifuru, the former governor of Ebonyi State and minister of education, Dr. Sam Egwu and the vice chancellor of the state University and host of others.

In their separate reactions, governor Francis Nwifuru, who was represented by the secretary to Ebonyi State government, SSG, Prof. Grace Umezuruike said: “The government is doing a whole lot to sustain the culture of igbo land, both language, especially, that of Ebonyi State.

Speaking on the attacks and  killings of traditional rulers in the country, Nwifuru said: “we understand the importance of protecting the lives and properties of the citizens, particularly our traditional rulers.

“The lives of the traditional rulers should not be played with.So it’s very important they are protected” he stressed.

On his part, the former governor of Ebonyi State and minister of education, Sam Egwu stated “it is regrettable and unfortunate that the custodian of our culture, traditional rulers,are murdered ruthlessly.

Egwu, represented by the former commissioner of information and orientation, Dr John Otu, however advocated that “if security is provided for political office holders like chairman of council and others, why should we not provide formidable security for the traditional rulers in Nigeria?

“I’m of the opinion that the national and state assemblies should be encouraged to enact a law, that the traditional rulers, especially the recognized ones, be provided with security” he insisted.

Also, the Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University, Prof Micheal Awoke, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Michael Aja Nwachukwu applauded the foundation for promoting igbo culture and tradition.

Earlier in a remark, the deputy vice chancellor Academics, Prof. Ike-Elechi Ogba said:”we are showcasing African culture,Nigerian culture, but most importantly, Ebonyi people’s culture. And that is to tell the world that Ebonyi has a history that predates modern times.

“We have the ways we do our things, the way we lead our life, and we have people who ruled us and guided us.Not just our ancestors, but people who were physically here,did marvelous and great things, and then transcended into becoming ancestors.

“The problem we have in the society today is that,we are almost in lack of real kings.Because in those days, elders and kings stand for equity, justice, and fairness. God will always protect you.

“Another problem we have is that we allowed our society to deny us the value we have as a people and a culture, and then buy Western ideas, or negative Western influences” he stated, 

The foundation, however empowered artists during the art exhibition with over 1.5 million, stressing that the event was part of  the Ogbaekirigwe Legacy Project, focused on celebrating and preserving cultural heritage, especially in Southeast region.

Also, the President of ‘One Youth Global’

Uchechukwu Agbo called for a formidable partnership between non governmental organizations and government at levels to ensure that the cultural heritage of Ebonyi, Nigeria and Africa at large, do not go into extinction.