The State head National lnstitute for Cultural Orientation( NICO) Mr. Nnaemeka Nwajagu has once more stressed the need to consider the culture a basic requirement of law in other to carry the citizens along in the policy formulation and planning for a ruburst and all inclusive result.Nwajagu, made this known in his address during the Iri ji Ndi Igbo national new yam festival on Saturday August,26th 2023, at Etiti- Igbo Ukwu in Aguata LGA, Anambra State.The NICO Enugu helms Man who represented the Executive Secretary of the Institute, Ado M. Yahuza as the special guest for the grand finale of this Important festival which brings major Cultural stake holders , Traditional Rulers , Government representative, the Clergy and Captains of Industries across Igbo land to assess the journey so far and project for a better future for the culture of Ndi Igbo.He hyped on the necessity of all and sundry to join in this effort at connecting the past, present and future of our people for a sustenable national development.Speaking, he regrets the negative influence of foreign culture among our younger generation which adversely affects our values and norms, while calling for a re- orientation for a brighter future, peace and progress of the country.He further admonished the audience to uphold and promote the rich cultural heritage of Ndi lgbo and Nigeria in general.On behalf of NICO management he appreciated the organizers,Mbido Igbo Association and the chairman Inter – Agency Committee on culture and Tourism development of South East in their efforts toward the restoration of the identity which includes our cherished heritage and festivals.Earlier, the NICO delegates had paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Igbo Ukwu at his Palace.The occasion featured the symbolic harvesting and cutting of new yam by the traditional Ruler of Igbo Ukwu kingdom, HRH. Igwe Alexander E. Azike( Udu 111 of Igbo Ukwu) flanked by other traditional rulers present namely: 1) HRH. Igwe T. O.Ogbnaya (Ogbanbiaka 11 of Owerezukala Orumba North LGA).2)HRH. Igwe Ebube Agu of Eziagu.3)HRH. Igwe Okpeke 1 of ama okpeke of Umuaka in Isu Ochi. Abia state.4)HRH. Eze Madu NwohaUmunneichi LGA Abia State. .5) High Chief Sir. Felix Nwangwu.(Akwudebere 1 of Owerezukala) among others.Other dignitaries present include Rev’d.(comrade) Amanah who representated the Permanente secretary, Dr. Mrs.Ngozi Onwudiwe.The Director General of the National Commission for Museum and Monuments (MCMM) Prof. Aba Isa Tijani, represented by Alh. Mahammud Abdul( Dir. of Museums)Also the Director General of National Council for Arts &; Culture (NCAC) Dr.Ojobo Uchenna Titus, represented by Mr. Ogbuu Anthony While that of CEBAAC was Mr.Charles Ezenwa . On it’s part, the National Galary of Arts Director General was by their South East zonal co-ordinator, Mrs.Vera C. Chijioke.Highlights of the occasion was the conferment of chieftaincy on some distinguished Igbo sons and daughters.The areana was charged by different masquerades and cultural dances that added glamour to the event. Kingsley Ngoka.Corp.Affairs NICO Enugu
CULTURE SHOULD BE ACCORDED PRIORITY IN POLICY FORMULATION AND PLANNING – Nwajagu.
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