ABIA – Governor Alex Otti, has identified culture as a critical instrument for preserving the identity, history and shared values of a people.
Governor Otti who disclosed this at Umuahia South Local Government Council Headquarters, Apumiri Ubakala, during the maiden Umuahia South Cultural Festival with the theme “Our Culture, Our Pride”, commended the people of Umuahia South for celebrating culture in its purest form and for sustaining traditions that define their collective heritage.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, while emphasizing the importance of culture, values and traditions, noted that anytime a people loses their sense of culture, they lose their history, which ultimately erodes their essence and identity as a people. He maintained that culture remains the foundation upon which societal growth, unity and continuity are built, adding that a people who understand and preserve their culture are better positioned to shape their future.
The State Chief Executive explained that his administration is committed to empowering Abians to enable them produce after their kind, as a way of showcasing culture in its truest form as well as creating a conducive environment that allows individuals and communities to freely express their talents, creativity and endowments, while ensuring that cultural expressions contribute meaningfully to economic growth, social harmony and sustainable development across the state.
He further commended the Mayor of Umuahia South LGA and the people of the council area for instituting a reward system that aligns with his vision of building a new and prosperous Abia, noting that honouring individuals based on merit, excellence and service reflects the values his administration stands for and reinforces a culture of fairness, productivity and responsible leadership.
In his remarks, the Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Chief Obi Aguocha, described culture as a powerful unifying force that binds communities together and preserves their collective memory. He applauded the Mayor and people of Umuahia South LGA for initiating the cultural festival, describing it as a timely platform for reawakening cultural consciousness, promoting unity and passing down cherished traditions to younger generations.
In his welcome address, the Mayor of Umuahia South LGA, Mr. Chinedu Enwereuzor, explained that the maiden cultural festival stands as a testament to what can be achieved when unity, vision and collective effort come together.
The Umuahia South Council Boss while lauding Governor Alex Otti for his purposeful and reform-driven administration, noted that his style of governance has repositioned Abia as a beacon of hope, progress and people-oriented development.
In his opening speech earlier, the Chairman of the Occasion, Dr. Nnamdi Atuma, described the festival as a bold step towards reclaiming and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Umuahia South and encouraged stakeholders to invest more in cultural preservation as a legacy for future generations.
The Member representing Umuahia South State Constituency, Hon. Emeka Obioma, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Kingsley Anosike, Special Adviser to the Governor on Policies & Interventions, Rev Fr. Christian Anokwuru, Special Adviser to the Governor on IGR, Dr Emmanuel Okpechi, Chief Protocol Officer to the Governor, Hon Uche Mark Nwosu, Commissioner in the Abia State Local Government Service Commission, Hon Chief Jerry Uzosike, DG Abia State Orientation Agency, Hon Ure Abazie, Deputy Mayor of Umuahia South LGA, traditional rulers and other important dignitaries were present during the cultural festival.
The event featured goodwill messages, cultural performances, comfernment of Chieftaincy title on Chief Obi Aguocha as “the Ogwumabiri Umuahia” among others.
