Anambra state Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has reassured his administration’s commitment towards promoting and showcasing Igbo tradition and culture to the world through the Ministry of Culture and Entertainment.
He also reassured his government support to journalists in the state and readiness to sustain partnership with them for a better Anambra.
Soludo gave the assurance during Cultural Festival of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Anambra State Council, themed, ”Culture: Catalyst for Igbo Unity, Collective Advancement and Global Resurgence”.
The Governor, represented by Commissioner for Culture and Entertainment, Mr. Don Onyenji commended the state NUJ for organizing the event to reawaken the consciousness of the Ndigbo towards upholding and reviving their rich culture and traditions which he described as best across the globe.
“The state government is committed to promoting and showcasing Igbo tradition and culture to the world through the Ministry of Culture and Entertainment,” he said.
Earlier, Prime Minister of Abagana community, Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze regretted the gradual extinction of Igbo language and culture, stressing the need for Ndigbo to join hands to rebuild and project their rich cultural heritage.
He traced the history of the Igbos and the present position of the Igbo culture amidst other cultures of the world.
Chairman on the occasion, Pharmacist Victor Okeke-Mgbajiaka identified culture as major unifying factor of a tribe, saying it was high time the Igbos embraced their culture for lasting unity and progress amongst them as a people in this part of the world.
He charged journalists to uphold principles of journalism, be versatile and humble, as well as make use of their power as fourth estate of the realm to influence the society positively and build a better society.
Also speaking, Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra state council, Dr Emeka Odogwu described journalists as core promoters of culture and traditions through their various platforms.
He said journalists of Igbo extraction should help in saving the Igbo culture and tradition from going into extinction.
Anambra state NUJ Matriarch, Prof Stella Okunna praised leadership of NUJ for being on top of the game in managing information and fighting for enthronement of a better society through journalism profession.
She however regretted today’s Igbo youths embrace of western culture as against their own culture, called on Igbos to jettison the negative aspect of their culture and tradition and give more attention to sustenance of their culture and tradition through generations unborn.
She urged Igbo parents to always speak Igbo language to their children and teaching them the core Igbo values and culture.
