Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, has asserted that any society without a grasp of its cultural identity risks extinction.
Otti made the assertion at Government House Umuahia when the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Abia state chapter, paid him a courtesy visit.
He charged Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo to take proactive steps in propagating and preserving Igbo culture.
The governor, who was represented by Caleb Ajagba, his chief of staff, emphasized the importance of promoting Igbo language in schools across the state.
He noted that this was why his administration had made the Igbo language a compulsory subject in both basic and secondary schools. He lamented that many Igbo youth have deviated from the core values of hard work and integrity, instead indulging in fraudulent activities in pursuit of quick wealth.
He stressed the need for a well-defined roadmap to guide the organisation’s objectives.
He encouraged Ohanaeze to establish strong youth wings in schools to foster cultural awareness and leadership development among Igbo youths.
He also urged the organization to bridge the gap between the older and younger generations, ensuring that Igbo heritage remains a guiding principle for future generations.
“It is good that one of your cardinal policies is to propagate Igbo culture.
“My administration has recognized the need to reintroduce the Igbo language in our various schools because people who abandon their culture and traditions will soon become extinct. Our people must know who we are, what we have gone through, and how we have arrived where we are today.
“We have a history behind what we do, and culture is central to any form of development.
“The Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo of today must begin to address this critical challenge. We are a people who value hard work. We are industrious, creative, and intelligent. We do not beg for survival that is not our culture. This present Ohanaeze must sit down and envision the kind of Igbo society we want to build,” Otti said.
Read also: Otti woos Chinese manufacturing firm to invest in Abia
Eric Ekwuribe, the special adviser to the governor on budget and planning, and Nwaka Inem, special adviser, trade and investment, in their contributions, expressed confidence in Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Abia chapter’s ability to live up to expectations.
They reiterated the importance of accountability and strategic planning in the organisation’s operations, emphasizing that government’s support would be contingent upon transparency and effectiveness.
Chukwuemeka Okwuonu, president of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Abia State chapter, earlier in his address, commended Otti for his remarkable developmental strides and commitment to the advancement of Abia State.
He applauded the governor’s decision to make Igbo language compulsory in schools, stating that it aligns with Ohanaeze’s mission to promote Igbo culture and heritage.
Okwuonu further outlined the organization’s plans to mobilize town unions and traditional institutions across local government areas to strengthen Igbo unity and cultural preservation. He emphasized the importance of securing government support to drive their initiatives effectively and reaffirmed Ohanaeze’s commitment to working closely with the state government to achieve these goals. He also appealed to the government for assistance in acquiring and furnishing a permanent secretariat, as well as providing an official vehicle for the group.
Ijeoma Clara Okere, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo Woman Leader, in her vote of thanks, appreciated the governor for the warm reception and pledged the group’s support for his administration in building the “New Abia” that everyone envisions.
