By Divine Ihechimerem
A socio-cultural organization, Obioma Mbaise Elites(OME), has enjoined communities and stakeholders in Mbaise to make concerted efforts in resuscitating, promoting and sustaining the cultural heritage of the area for growth and development.
The call was contained in a press statement by the President-General of the organization, Nze James Chibunna Ukah made available to Daily Review Online.
He said Mbaise has numerous cultural values and festivals with potentials for generating revenue and planning Mbaise in a prominent position in the world tourist map when properly harnessed and promoted.
The President General also observed that the Iri ji Mbaise festival has recently been affected by controversies, and blamed it on the involvement of politicians in the festival planning and celebration.
Nze Ukah advised that Ndi Ezeji should solely plan the iri ji ceremony to accomplish the objectives and for enduring peace, even as he suggested that traditional rulers and Ezurezu Mbaise could participate as advisory bodies.
He said Ndi Ezeji should have a standing Iri ji Mbaise planning committee with the engagement of Mbaise sons and daughters who are professional event managers and promoters for a long-term plan of the annual festival.
Nze Ukah disclosed that Obioma Mbaise Elites as an organization of Mbaise outstanding sons and daughters, with the objective to foster peace and progress by promoting sustainable development and social justice in Mbaise.
He said the membership of the group is open to every Mbaise of elite status and that OME ready to partner with other well-meaning organizations of Mbaise extraction for development.
Nze Ukah harped on the need for all stakeholders in Mbaise to come together irrespective of their differences to promote the cultural and social values of Mbaise.
Secretary of the organization, Dr. Innocent Nwogwugwu Ibe lamented the deplorable state of infrastructure in Mbaise, describing the situation as heartbreaking. He tasked political leaders in Mbaise to ensure an effective representation of the people who elected them.
Also, Chairman of Ethics and Discipline of the OME, Sir Princehollidey Okeke said maintaining self-identity is important because it strengthens our character.
“It’s time for us to do a cultural reset, it’s basically something that can cause a good shift in Mbaise nation. It’s all about cultural resuscitation and Obioma Mbaise Elites is ready and willing to work with any reputable organization and play a major role in the cultural reset,” the statement added.