Judex Okoro, Calabar
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Igbo socio-cultural Assembly, Cross River State chapter, has concluded plans to hold its first cultural Day as well honour Governor Ben Ayade.
The event, which also marks the 28th years anniversary of Eze, Sir. E.A. Ezenwenyi as Igbo leader in state will have prominent Igbo sons and daughters from within and outside the state in attendance.
About eighteen traditional rulers across the state and from outside including Abia, Akwa Ibom and Anambra states have all indicated interest to attend the cultural fiesta.
A press statement signed by the President of Ohanaeze Cross River State chapter, Ugoji Nwabueze Esq, and made available to newsmen in Calabar, said the occasion will be chaired by Prof. M.U.Ojua, a lecturer in the University of Calabar, while the state governor, Prof. Senator Ben Ayade, will be the Special Guests of Honour.
According to him, the event which is slated for Saturday, November 24, 2018, at the Abraham Ordia Stadium, University of Calabar, is essentially to show case the rich soicio-cultural heritage Ndi Igbo.
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Nwabueze noted that “Igbo culture and tradition are going extinct and therefore it is high time we woke up from sleep and celebrate it.
“Besides, we should learn how to celebrate our past and present leaders who have contributed to the development of Igbo nation.
“And Governor Ben Ayade is on the leaders who have taken up industrialisation as a policy which would favour Ndi Igbo in Calabar. For this all Igbo laders agreed he should be honoured.”
According to him, Ndi Igbo have contributed immensely to building a strong and united Nigeria and should be encouraged rather than treating than throwing spanners in the works.
The President reassured the host communities that the event is aimed at uniting the Igbo across the state together and one of their own, by Sir E.A Ezenwenyi, who has not only led Igbo in Cross River for about two decades, but has given us sense of belonging.
He appealed to all Igbo sons and daughters in the state to be law-abiding and continue to live in peace and harmony with their landlords while carrying out their normal businesses.
He also advised leaders of various states and communities to ensure that their subjects maintain peace and order during and after the celebration
There will be a display of Igbo cultural dances and musical instruments including ‘Nkwa Umuagbogo,’ Ohafia war dance, Nkpokiti and ijele by various affiliate unions.
