The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Barr. Tony Nwamuo has applauded the Abia state Governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu for promoting Igbo culture and Made-in-Aba products, describing him as culture-friendly governor.
Nwamuo who stated this during Abia Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Cultural/Veterans’ Day 2022 in Umuahia, Abia state, disclosed that Gov. Ikpeazu has consistently dressed/showcase Igbo attire both nationally and internationally.
Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Barr. Tony Nwamuo
The legal practitioner called on parents to preserve Igbo culture from extinction by teaching their children how to adorn cultural attire, speak Igbo language and cook Igbo delicacies among others.
The Ndoki-born politician who commended NUJ for reawakening people’s consciousness on Igbo culture, urged them to always showcase the developmental strides of Gov. Ikpeazu in all sectors of Abia economy to the world.
The Culture Commissioner who reiterated government’s renewed resolve in preserving Igbo culture, also called on Abians to vote massively for People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at all levels come 2023 general elections, adding that Gov. Ikpeazu and Prof. Uchenna E. Ikonne are the most qualified for Abia South Senatorial District and Abia state Governor respectively.
Meanwhile, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has charged journalists to stablize Nigeria’s polity through patriotic and development oriented reportage.
Gov. Ikpeazu gave the charge at the event urged journalists to avoid sensationalization journalism to ensure the forthcoming elections are free from violence.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dr. Eze Chikamnayo
Represented by the Commisioner for Information and Strategy, Dr. Eze Chikamnayo, he assured that his administration would sustain the cordial relationship existing between the government and the press.
In his speech, the 2023 PDP Governorship candidate for Abia State, Prof. Uchenna Ikonne has urged journalists to remain on the frontline to preserve the nation’s democracy by holding politicians accountable.
Pastor Ralph Egbu (Right), receiving NUJ Veteran’s Award
Represented by his Deputy, Barr. Okey Philips Igwe, he revealed that they would run a participatory government, industrialized Abia economy, among others; promising not to let Abians down when elected.
In his remark, the Chairman on the occasion, Chief Uche Akwukwaegbu
commended journalists for promoting Igbo culture and enjoined them to sustain it.
In a lecture entitled “The Role of the Media in Preserving our Culture: Saving the Igbo Language from Extinction”, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Abia State University (ABSU, Uturu Abia state, Prof. Ogbonna Onuoha decried the gradual extinction of Igbo language in most homes and schools within the Igboland.
Onuoha who appealed that government should give scholarships to students studying Igbo language at institution of higher learning and urged media houses to include Igbo language in their media programmes.
In his speech earlier, the NUJ Chairman, Abia Council, Mr. Victor Ndukwe said the event was organised to promote Igbo culture and celebrating some veteran journalists in the State.
He noted that NUJ would continue to promote good societal cultures, adding that the event would be sustained by Abia journalists.
The event which featured award presentations to many veteran journalists like Pastor Ralph Egbu, Mr. Joe Akwarandu among others.
Dignatories at the event include, the Commissioner for Documentation and strategic communication, Chief Ugochukwu Emezuo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Deaconess Caroline Igwe, Abia Governor’s Aid on Strategic Communication, Elder Kennedy Okechukwu Onyenma, the State Director of Information, Comrade John Emejor, Traditional rulers among others.
