People of Anambra communities have been advised to imbibe the habit of embracing their positive cultural endowments and strive to develop them, not just for their own entertainment but also for revenue generation.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Comrade Don Onyenji gave the advice at Eke Odekpe, in Ogbaru Local Government Area, when he attended the 2023 Ogbaru boat carnival.
The annual festival which brings about people of the various communities of coastal local government area of Ogbaru, has over the years proved to be a medium to foster brotherliness, love and unity among the people.
It featured boat paddling competitions among the various communities as well as cultural performances.
The fun-loving people of the Ogbaru communities, who appeared to care less about their imminent predicament, had defied the rising tide of the River Niger, and turned out enmasse for the festival.
Speaking during the carnival, the Anambra Culture, Entertainment and Tourism Commissioner, Comrade Onyenji, said the ongoing efforts at preserving the rich cultural heritage of Ndigbo can only be sustained, when the people fully identify with their own culture and traditions, especially those that promote unity and brotherliness.
According to him, the celebration of the festival represents the resilience of the Ogbaru people and their determination to find happiness despite daunting challenges.
Said he; “What we are witnessing today is an agelong tradition that has been handed over from generation to generation. And it is heartwarming to see that you are keeping the flag flying.
“Our culture and traditions are our identity and as a people, we will be lost to the world, if we jettison those unique culture and traditions for which we are known.
“Anambra State Government under the leadership of Mr Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, recognizes this sacred fact and has supported my ministry to promote the people’s culture in unimaginable ways.
“Recently, we marked the State Iwaji festival in Awka, the Anambra State Mega Arts and Crafts Exhibition and many other cultural activities the Ministry is promoting.
“All we want to achieve, is a society that finds relevance in the 21st century, by the value it is adding.”
The Commissioner while commending Ogbaru people for their efforts at sustaining the carnival, said the state government will continue to support them to give the festival a wider traction.
The Commissioner further reiterated the call on hi-networth Anambra people all over the world, to bring home their wealth and invest in the state, assuring them that the present administration will guarantee maximum benefits for their investments.
He emphasized the need for Anambra people to patronize made in Anambra products to help develop the economy of the state.
According to him, “Governor Soludo is using made-in-Anambra products and I encourage every Anambra person and Igbo person to emulate him, because that is a sure way to boost the economy of the region.”
Speaking on sundry issues, Commissioner Onyenji also revealed that “Governor Soludo is developing every sector of the state economy including security, road infrastructure, Health and education, where he has given free education from primary school to class three secondary School in the state.”
One of the organizers of the event, Barrister Nonso Nwebili said they are using the boat carnival to showcase the culture of their people and to promote tourism in the state.
He commended Governor Soludo for his interest in culture and Tourism and urged him to continue.
Highpoint of the carnival was when prizes were presented to the winners of the carnival by the organizers.
