By Roland Ike
The member representing Ikwo/ Ezza South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chinedu Ogah has said that his people are using their culture to ensure enduring peace in the area.
Ogah was speaking at Nduofoke Amagu play ground in Ikwo Local Government, Ebonyi State during the celebration of the 2024 Erima Ogwudu—Aji Ereke cultural festival which he facilitated.
Ogah who is House Chairman on Reformatory Institutions, said that the 15- year old conflict between his community and with its neighbouring Cross River State community had been checked.
“We appreciate the governor for his peaceful disposition and will sustain the cultural festival to deepen unity in the community.
“The massive success of this year’s event has motivated us to commit resources into hosting the event and we would commit over N100 million in organising next year’s event.”
Ogah noted that the festival was an eight – day event and the people from various villages always gather at a place for the grande finale.
“We have a governor that has entrenched peace in the state and for about fifteen years, we have not heard a single gunshot in our boundary with our hitherto, warring Cross River neighbours.
“He appointed of our sons as Commissioners for border peace, Attorney General and culture/tourism and apart from Izzi (governor’s clan), it is Amagu that gave the governor highest votes in the election.
“The festival is a celebration of unity; we eat, drink and dance together.and there is no demarcation among us.”
Ogah noted that when he was elected, he made it a part of his project to commemorate the festival every year.
“We would involve the international community in next year’s event because it deserves to be glamourised globally.”
Deputy Governor, Mrs Patricia Obila, who represented the Governor, described the festival as a celebration of the community identity and the entire state.
“We are here because the cultural heritage of this community is intact as every community should celebrate its identity and that of the state.
“We are here to thank our gods and to bless our land so that by the time we plant our crops, we will reap bountifully.
“I have seen the beauty of the land, the people and every good thing in this land.
“This is to show that our brother Ogah is resourceful and if we have two or three of his kind, this country will have a good look,”.
Chief Mathias Adum, Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chairman of the occasion, decried the eroding of Nigeria’s culture and commended Ogah for reawakening the people’s cultural spirit.
“For Ogah to remember that culture is the root of our existence is very crucial.as foreign culture has eroded our cultural inclinations.
“Culture binds and unites us and Oga is reminding us that we should go back to our culture and youth empowerment where he is leading.”
Displays by Oyawa and Opinya cultural groups, masquerades, March pass by women and presentation of gifts were parts of the activities that featured during the festival.
The lawmaker on behalf of the people presented a cow each to the Speaker of the the State House of Assembly, the Governor and his Wife.
The governor was also presented with a horse.
