Following the downturn of the Nigerian economy and dwindling Federal Allocation to states, Abia State government has been called upon to harness the various rich culture and tourism sites that abound in various communities with a view to shoring up its internally generated revenue (IGR).
Lucky Akabuike, the special adviser to Abia Governor on Labour Matter, made the call in Umuahia North Local Government Area of the state during the celebration of the “Ogwe Nwangele Annual Cultural Festival.
The special adviser however reiterated the state government’s readiness to encourage communities with rich cultural festivals as a means of promoting tourism and generating fund for the state.
During the ceremony, the three-year old disputes among communities in Ohuhu ancient kingdom, home of Premier of former Eastern Nigeria, late Michael Okpara, were amicably resolved with a call on the people of the area to give peace a chance.
The Special Adviser to the governor on labour matter noted the three year old dispute had no doubt robbed the entire community of befitting much from government adding that now that peace had returned in the community, the people stood the chance of enjoying more dividends of democracy from the present administration and congratulated them for resolution.
He however advocated that the cultural festival be observed every October, 1st as special day of return of peace in the land, adding that the date could serve as a reference document for generation yet –unborn.
Also speaking at the event Chukwuemeka Ekwe Ahabuike, the chairman Umuokoroala Obihuru Umuegwu Afugiri, his Vice Enyinna
Akobueze and Secretary General Ugochukwu Jaja respectively described the event as historic considering the vaccum created while the dispute lingered.
While appreciating their collective resolve to put behind them the dispute, the chairman and his team commended the traditional ruler of the land Eze Charles Chionye, the Special Adviser to the governor on labour matter, Lucky Akabuike and a host of other sons and daughters of the three communities for the special resolution and assured them of full return of peace, unity and progressin the land.
The said the “Ogwe –Nwa-Ngele” started over 450 years ago by their ancestors in commemoration of the then ancient war / conflicts among common enemies in the community.
In his word, Eze Charles Chionye who was on his first official outing in the community after the presentation of his staff of office said the was happy for the resolution of the dispute during his reign and assured his subjects to henceforth continue to live peace and harmony.
