By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr Don Onyenji, commended the Traditional Rulers of Ihite town and the Umuomaku ancient kingdom in Orumba South Local Government Area for their dedication to promoting Igbo cultural values such as diligence, industriousness, and respect for the law.
“Our values are fundamental to our Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. One of our aims is to promote our culture and traditions so that anyone can easily identify an Igbo man or an Anambra person. If we succeed in doing this, crime will decrease.”
The commissioner made this statement when he received the Traditional Rulers of Ihite town and the Umuomaku ancient kingdom on a courtesy visit to his office at the Jerome Udorji Secretariat in Awka.
He mentioned that security has greatly improved and that Orumba South LGA now has a well-developed road network. “Remember when Governor Soludo first took office, eight local government areas were under threat, but they have now been liberated, making Anambra one of Nigeria’s safest states. A good road network, including the dualization of the road from Ekwulobia to Ihite town, from Amawbia to Uga and other parts of the state has help in connecting every community in Anambra.
“You can observe the current activities at Onitsha Main Market. The Governor’s effort to restore the market’s pride is commendable and expected to attract businessmen from across West Africa, even on Mondays, to shop there,” he said.
Mr. Onyenji expressed gratitude to the Royal fathers and Ndi Anambra for their steadfast support in the Governor’s re-election campaign. He praised the Governor for notable projects like the Light House, which he considers a fitting development for Anambra State. He also encouraged the Royal fathers to join the Anambra Country Club at Solution Fun City.
In his speech, His Royal Highness, Igwe Timothy Okwudili Ifurunwa (Ogbuodudu 1 of Ihite Town), expressed gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for ensuring peace, stability, and transparency during the traditional ruler’s election. He noted that previous administrations’ elections were often plagued with irregularities, violence, and bloodshed, but under Governor Soludo, the process has been brought to order, promoting sanity, peace, credibility, and transparency, which contributed to his victory as Igwe.
“Had success been based on wealth or connections rather than the will of the people, I might not have won. Currently, my town is the safest in Anambra thanks to the ‘Udo ga- Chi’ security initiative introduced by the state government. Previously, it was considered a high-risk area by the Police Commissioner and the Department of State Security (DSS). We have secured our borders with Imo and Abia States, which has resulted in a significant return of our Diaspora members to the village during Christmas.”
Igwe Ifurunwa emphasized that Ihite boasts a rich cultural heritage, including traditional dances and masquerade displays. The community is also recognized for large-scale cultivation of yam, cocoyam, and plantain, which are showcased during their ‘Oye’ market day.
He expressed gratitude to Mr. Governor for reviving crops like kolanut and alligator pepper, which were at risk of extinction in Anambra, and praised the ongoing extensive developments across the state.
The Igwe of the ancient Umuomaku kingdom, His Royal Majesty Igwe Obikaenyi L. O. Ezenwa (Onunekwuruoha II), praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo for constructing a tarred road in their community. “Before I was born, Umuomaku did not have a tarred road, and during rain, accessing the area was difficult, but now, the Governor has built one, allowing vehicles to travel smoothly from Onitsha to Umuomaku.
“I sincerely thank him for improving the road network, as it will enhance economic growth in our community and across the state. We are the food basket of the state, cultivating yams, plantains, bananas, cocoyams, cassava, and more, which we showcase every ‘Eke’ market day. Besides agriculture, Umuomaku boasts a rich cultural heritage, featuring masquerade displays and cultural dances, among other traditions,” he said.
Igwe Ezenwa also mentioned that he is the first Igwe in Anambra State to be awarded a certificate by Governor Soludo. He praised the Governor for his efforts in constructing the inspiring ‘Light House’ and other significant projects.
Ifeyinwa is of Ministry of Information, Anambra State
