The Traditional Ruler of Umudiawa, Autonomous Community in Umuahia North LGA,Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, has called on Ndi-Igbo to embrace and preserve their rich Igbo cultural heritage for posterity.
Eze Ofoegbu made the call during the Iwa Ji Ohuhu 2021; an annual cultural festival which also featured the Conferment of Chieftaincy Title by the Ohuhu Council of Traditional Rulers on deserving sons and daughters who have distinguished themselves in their areas of calling.
Some of those who were conferred with Chieftaincy Titles at the ceremony include the Chief of Staff to the Governor,Prof Anthony Agbazuere, foremost philanthropist, Chief Chris Akachi and Media Guru, Chief Uche Aguoru among others.
Speaking at the ceremony held at Amachara Umudiawa,Ohuhu,Eze Ofoegbu noted that it has become necessary for Ndi-Igbo to promote their cultural values irrespective of their religion to save it from extinction.
The Traditional Ruler who is also the Chairman,Ohuhu council of traditional rulers, said the preservation of the Igbo cultural heritage is capable promoting collective consciousness in terms of unity,oneness and fostering of peaceful coexistence among the people.
While appreciating the Igbo Forebearers for instituting the culture of celebrating the New Yam as the King of Crops,Eze Ofoegbu noted that the occasion is a way of giving thanks to God and for stock taking to enable the people set new developmental agenda.
He commended recipients of the Chieftaincy Title and Awards of honour for their contribution towards a better life for the people.
Speaking in an interview with National Ambassador after being conferred with the “IHIE OHUHU” Chieftaincy title, a philanthropist and grassroot mobilizer, Chief Chris Akachi described the annual Iri Ji Festival as a special festival that unifies and distinguishes Ndi Igbo from other tribes and called for all hands to be on deck in the sustenance and promotion of the rich cultural heritage of Ohuhu Land.
Chief Akachi, popularly known as “Nwabia”, promised to always contribute his quota in projecting before the global Community, the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people.
He further assured that he would continue to be part of the Ohuhu developmental narratives as well as undertake programmes that have direct touch on the people and thanked Ndi Eze Ohuhu for the height of recognition and show of love.
The 2021 Iwa Ji Ohuhu also featured various cultural displays by dance troupes from within and outside Abia and was attended by an array of Traditional Rulers,notable politicians, stakeholders, captains of industries and prominent personalities including Amb. Empire Kanu,Former NDDC Chairman, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu,among others.
