Group Tasks S’East Govts On Igbo Culture

State governments in the South East zone have been enjoined to take deliberate steps to revive and promote Igbo culture as a means of re-awakening the spirit of collectivism of the people.

Mr. Ogbonnaya Ogwo who made the call in Uturu, Isuikwuato local government area of Abia State, expressed sadness that the “can-do spirit” of Ndigbo has waned and required a conscious resuscitation effort through a cultural re-awakening.

Ogwo, who is the Chairman, Planning Committee of the Igbo Uturu Cultural Carnival (IUCC), an annual cultural festival, said the carnival provides a veritable platform for achieving the goal of restoring the cultural values and re-orientation of Ndigbo.

Briefing newsmen on plans for this year’s edition of the carnival which holds in Uturu, Ogwo appealed to South East governments and their agencies, corporate bodies , diplomatic corps and individuals to key into the IUCC and partner with the initiator and sponsor, Chief Greg Iyke Ibe to “help, sustain, develop, project and promote” the Uturu carnival to world standard.

Ogwo said the carnival which provides an avenue for the celebration of Igbo culture and has the potentials of reviving and promoting celebration of Igbo culture has been solely sponsored by Ibe for the past two years.

He said the carnival, apart from fostering unity among Ndigbo, also provides an opportunity for the people to relax at the end of the year and usher in the New Year with revelry while enjoying the rich Igbo cultural heritage.

Ogwo said the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, would attend this year’s IUCC, to deliver a lecture on the effect of insecurity on the tourism industry. The carnival kicks off on December 27 and ends on January 1, 2011.

According to him, the seven-day cultural fiesta would feature cultural troupes from the South East region and beyond while prominent traditional rulers from the zone would also be in attendance.

Activities lined for thrilling lovers of culture include cultural displays, traditional dances, selection of Culture Beauty Pageant and football competition.

He said Chief Ibe would use the Economic Summit of the fiesta to empower youths.

“This vision is driven by passion, not profit. The founder, Dr Greg Iyke Ibe believes in art and culture and we are putting in everything to make it work. Our goal is to raise the carnival to a regional event and put Ndigbo on the cultural map of the world,” Ogwo said.