Deltans Urged To Remain Focused In Preservation Of Culture
By Oghenero Orovwuje
ASABA/Nigeria: The annual Anioma cultural festival has been held in Asaba with a call on all Anioma people and Deltans to remain focused on the preservation, promotion and advancement of their rich cultural heritage.
Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, made the call in his address during the celebration of the 17th edition of the festival organized by the Organization For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC).
Governor Okowa, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Patrick Ukah, commended OFAAC for building the spirit of love and unity among Anioma people saying that the annual celebration by OFAAC had been reminding the people of their culture which was slowly dying due to western influence.
He said that through the festival, the cultural values of the people would be impacted on the younger generation and foster peace among them and urged them not to relent in their efforts towards achieving set goals.
Senator Okowa also enjoined the people and Deltans in general to assist in the development of the state adding that the state government would continue to encourage and assist genuine investors who were out to serve as agents of positive social and economic transformation of the communities in the state.
Governor Okowa also lauded the executive and members of OFAAC for a successful 2022 annual cultural festival celebration and for keeping the vision of the festival alive throughout the years since its inception.
The president of OFAAC Mr. Kester Ifeadi, in his remarks, stated that the festival was aimed at revitalizing the culture of Anioma people adding that over the years, the cultural festival had become a veritable platform to showcase the aesthetic arts of Anioma culture to a wide audience, and re-socialize the youths and adults in the true traditional values in harmony with nature for a decent society.
He thanked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his support towards the progress of the organization and the traditional rulers for the important roles they had been playing in moving the organization forward.
The ceremony featured various dance troupes, wrestling competition, Anioma cuisine and flute competition among others.
Awards were also presented to winners of different competitions
