BY AKUDORO GLORIA
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah has described culute and tradition as a vehicle capable of liberating a people and putting them on a global map not only for recognition but also for foreign exchange earnings.
The governor made the declaration during the 2024 Enugu Day Celebration with the theme: “Our Culture and the Economic Imperative”, which took place over the weekend at Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Garki – Abuja.
Represented by the Vice Chancellor Godfrey Okoye University Enugu, Rev. Fr. Prof. Christian Anieke, Dr. Mbah said that culture could be harnessed to become a major foreign exchange earner and that several countries have been able to earn a lot of foreign exchange by developing their cultural sites and heritage.
Prof. Anieke who was also the Keynote Speaker, at the Colloquium and Award night, took time to explain the link become culture and economic development. He said that culture is a tool for economic emancipation adding that a lot of revenue could be generated by exporting cultural artifacts, dances, food, wears and so on.
The second day was a celebration of traditional Igbo rites and culture starting with an opening prayer by Chief Nzekenyi Eze Ezeilo, followed by the breaking of colanut by the father of day, HRH Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, Chairman Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council and Member Board of Trustee Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa (Nigeria Chapter).
Acknowledging the coming together of like-minded individuals from Enugu State and the fellowship together as a team and community, the President General (PG) of Enugu State Indigenes General Association Abuja (ESIGA), Chief Marcel Ogbonna Ezeagu expressed delight at seeing the people in good tidings.
Ezeagu, while underscoring numerous impactful successes recorded, highlighted the assembly’s commitment to fostering communication among town unions and developing a comprehensive database for emergency situations, distribution of amenities, or employment opportunities. He added that this will address the situation where individuals who are not Enugu indigenes go to the liaison office requesting an indigeneity letter.
“In furtherance of empowering our people, a cooperative society has bee registered with an initial enrolment hitting up to 100 members. This will enable us to access facilities as a group, which hitherto may be difficult for an individual. We intend to maximize this opportunity as we intend to consult our Governor with this, over land acquisition at Enugu for building residential houses and encourage our people to think home.
“We have also floated a life Assurance Policy to help families mitigate the effect of sudden death and incapacitation. This is hope inspiring amongst our members.
“The design and launching of multipurpose Enugu State indigenes’ complex is in the offing. This, when completed would supplement our income-base and create employment for our people,” he emphasized.
Whilst describing ESIGA as a non-political umbrella body that shades all its members, the President General thanked Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah for the numerous projects that he is doing in the state.
In remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Group Managing Director, Berith Specialist Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Dominic Okechukwu applauded the unity exhibited by the natives of Enugu State. He also commended the State Governor for his effort in repositioning the state into an industrial hub.
“Is a reoccurring decimal in most of the things that took place. That the Governor is touching the heart of Enugu, the lives of the people, the abandoned dilapidated companies being revived and so many projects that is coming up in Enugu State. We have a young man who is thinking out of the box and he is recognizing those in diaspora.
“I can see unity, cerebration of culture and one Nigeria because we are cerebrating Igbo in Abuja – Northern Nigeria, which means that this country is for us all,” said the Chairman of the occasion.
He therefore advocated for peaceful co-habitation with host communities by respecting and identifying the red lines that are their host community.
Indigenes of Enugu State resident in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja trooped out in colourful cultural regalia, and different kinds of masquerades depicting their culture and tradition. It saw Enugu natives showcasing a variety of cultural performance, traditional attire and local cuisine for the second time in four years after it first maiden edition which was held in 2019.
Highlight of the event was cultural dance, food competition, match past and cultural display by various communities in Enugu State.