The Federal Lawmaker representing Ikwo and Ezza South Constituency, Ebonyi State, in the House of Representative Hon Chinedu Ogah, has reiterated his commitment to utilise the Aji Ereke cultural festival of Amagu Ikwo community to boost tourism/cohesion among the people.
Ogah, who doubles as the Chairman of the House Committee on Reformatory Institutions, made this assertion in Amagu Erimogwudu Ikwo on Saturday while addressing a cross-section of residents and visitors who thronged out to witness the festival.
Ogah noted that the Aji Ereke festival was used to usher in a new farming season in addition to being a significant celebration held annually by the people.
He pledged to ensure the sustainability of the festival and commended the people and traditional institutions for ensuring that the event was being celebrated annually.
“We value our culture; this event is used to show love and reconciliation among the people, it is after the celebration that a new farming season begins for the people”
Ogah used the occasion to announce the award of university scholarship to 10 persons in each of the four wards that make up the Amagu community.
The lawmaker appreciated Governor Francis Nwifuru for his commitment to delivering democratic dividends to the people.
Earlier in a remark, the Senator representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial District, Engr Kenneth Eze, commended the Amagu people for upholding their cultural identity.
“Culture is the identity of the people. I am here to support this initiative. If you don’t have a culture, you do not exist”
Senator Eze extolled the National Assembly member Hon Ogah, for sustaining the culture of the people.
In a speech, the Principal Secretary to the Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Mathias Adum, emphasised that a society without culture risks extinction.
Adum urged the people to have regard for their culture and identify with its principles and practices.
The occasion featured cultural displays, traditional dances, masquerades and exchange of gifts.
The event was graced by the Chairman of Amagu Development Union, Professor Patrick Itumoh, the Zonal Secretary of All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Itapa Azobu, the Chairman of Ezza Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Martin Onyibe, Mrs Chinasa Nwanchor, Coordinator of Ikwo South Development Union, traditional rulers, women groups, elders and cultural troupes, among others.
