A call has gone to ndigbo at home and in Diaspora to sustain Igbo rich cultural heritage for enduring fame, virtue and progress.
The traditional ruler of Oru Ahiara in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Eze Joe Oleka made the call during the traditional wrestling contest marking the kick-off of 2012 Iriji Eze/Ezuruezu Oru Ahiara Cultural Festival at the market square, Afor Oru.
He remarked that the annual fiesta which started 21 years ago after his 8 years on the throne has added value to the moral culture and awaken productivity consciousness among the people as well as offer opportunity for thanksgiving to God Almighty for abundant rich agricultural harvest and diverse divine blessings.
The royal father pointed out that the occasion which featured colorful Ekpe cultural dance and Iwa Ji also opened windows of opportunities for home coming, social development, tourism, commerce and in addition foster peace and unity.
He urged sons and daughters of the community, especially those in Diaspora not to miss the chance to rejoice with their kiths and kins and invest positively at home.
Eze Oleka underscored the essence of sports for mental alertness and physical fitness, patting on the backs, the winners and participants in various categories of the traditional wrestling packaged to hunt grassroot talents and boost hidden potentials as well as imbue in the young ones the spirit of sportsmanship, skill, patriotism and brotherliness.
The monarch enjoined youths to shun vices and engage in fruitful ventures, attributing the spate in crime to decline in family and cultural moral values.
On the Traditional Rulers Parliament and Community Governing Council (CGC), Eze Oleka appreciated Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha for the honour done to ndi eze Imo and reassured their commitment to work hard for smooth realization of set targets, particularly promotion of igbo culture and language.
He asserted that his community CGC secretariat was the first to be completed in the state and called for untainted co-operation of staff and the people for rapid transformation of the community.
Emmanuel Njoku came first in the wrestling senior category, Henry Iwuchukwu – second and Henry Onyeanunam – third while in the junior category, Ahamefule Njoku clinched the first position, ThankGod Efekalam – second and Benedict Anyanwu – third.
