The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has tasked Ohaneze Ndigbo to be in the vanguard of promoting Igbo culture and traditions.
He also called on communities to always ensure that only those who are rooted in the culture and traditions of the people are elected as traditional rulers
Governor Nwifuru disclosed this when the delegation of Ohaneze Ndigbo played host to the State chapter of the apex socio-cultural Ohaneze Ndigbo, led by its president, Dr. Peter Mbam in his office at the new Government House, Ochudo Centenary City in Abakalilki, the state capital.
He further pointed out that culture and traditions of Igbos which are detrimental to Igbo identity and progress are fast loosing values.
“Our culture is fast loosing value and is not in our interest, therefore, I want to use this medium to appeal to you to rise up to the challenge by ensuring that our culture and traditions are rejuvenated”.
The Governor observed with dismay that Ebonyi has been sidelined in the scheme of things and urged the State chapter to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.
“It is my stand that what is good for the goose is good for the gander. Nobody should take Ebonyi for granted and I have made my position clear that if Ebonyi is not treated fairly next time, I will not accept it”‘ the Governor said.
The Governor expressed gratitude to Peter Mbam, the leader of Ohaneze in the state, for their support during the immediate past 2023 general elections, and promised to always rely on the wise counsel of the organisation.
The leader of the delegation and state President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr. Peter Mbam said the purpose of the visit was to congratulate the Governor on his emergence as the 4th democratically elected governor of the State and to brief him on the activities of the organisation.
Mbam noted that Governor Nwifuru has demonstrated capacity to deliver on his mandate.
He told the Governor that the organisation has embarked on sensitisation of Ebonyi communities as part of efforts to revive the culture of the people.