The Coordinator of Edda West Development Center, Hon Jecklin Onwubiko Ukpai has commended the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ebonyi State chapter in their efforts to revive and promote Igbo culture as a way of preserving the socio-cultural heritage of the Ndigbo.
The coordinator who stated this during the sensitization visit of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Itim Secondary School, Itim Edda on Cultural Revival urged them not to relent in the campaign.
Ukpai who represented the Edda council chairman, Hon Chima Ekumankama promised to further expand the Programme of Ohanaeze on the Cultural Revival to take the message down to the grassroot.
He described culture as the identity of any society, stressing that Ndigbo could not afford to allow their history and culture to go into extinction or degenerate.
He maintained that rekindling and promoting various cultures among the Igbo was an act every indigene must carry out with every sense of pride.
Addressing Staff and Students in his opening remarks, the President of Ohanaze Ndigbo, Ebonyi State chapter Dr.Peter Mbam, traced the origin of Ohanaeze Ndigbo spanning back 50 years ago.
Dr.Mbam said the visit to schools was because of the dwindling Igbo culture, especially among the youths.
He maintained that those traits like hard work, respect for elders which the Igbos are known for, had been abandoned and called on parents and teachers to teach the students those good moral values of Ndigbo.
He warned against schools forcing students not to speak Igbo language and the dialects of the people.
Speaking also, the Ohanaeze Women Leader, Mrs Nene Nwangele, who addressed the female students, reminded them of their roles in family upbringing.
She warned them against joining bad groups in the schools that would derail their future.
Also, the Youth Leader, Mr. Ndubuisi Oka harped on the promotion of Igbo Culture,warning them against joining secret cults.
The Treasurer of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Sir. Christopher Erima, who is a retired principal frowned at those who abandoned their studies and at last bring shame to their families.
Eleri who represented the Secondary Education Board, informed the students that Igbos are known for cleanliness and urged the students to be neat at all times as it is one of the virtues of Ndigbo.
On his part, the Traditional Ruler of Amato Autonomous Community, Ezeogo Nkama Ndukwe Irem- Oduko, promised to take the message of Ohaneze down to his cabinet.
He also requested the Ohaneze to extend the community's appreciation to the governor, Francis Nwifuru for his approval and support to the Programme.
Corroborating the traditional ruler, the Principal of the school, Mr.Arua Ibiam, thanked the State Government for embarking on the Cultural enlightenment through Ohanaeze and requested for it to be regular.
Meanwhile, in a vote of thanks, both the Chairman of Ohanaeze Edda Local Government and the Igbo teacher,Dr. Nnachi Ama Oji and Mrs Ugo Agu Agwu, respectively thanked the State Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership for the laudable programme.
The highlights of the programme were presentation of cultural dances by the students of the school and the planting of Ohanaeze Ndigbo unity economic trees.
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