TIGblogs - STANLEY IJEOMA

Here is an article published in the Guardian Newspaper today 10-10-07,it is about preserving the cultural land marks of the Igbos of South Eastern Nigeria. The Igbos are the Jews Living in West Africa,and they are concentrated heavily in what is today called South East Nigeria.

Group wants global attention to Igbo cultural landmarks
From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja
HIGHLIGHTING the need for national attention and international projection of the cultural landmarks in Igbo land a body named Mbido Igbo Association has called on the federal government to take a closer look at the area. They want government to facilitate the excavation of the over seven identified archaeological sites in the South East of Nigeria, as well as take note of its abundant tourism potentials in forms of festivities and unique environment.

The call came last Thursday, October 4, when representatives of the Mbido Igbo Association paid a courtesy visit on the Minister of State for Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Dr.) Martin Nwafor Ezeh, the Idu II of Igbo-Ukwu and chairman, board of trustee, Mbido Igbo Association, who led the visit, emphasised that the Igbo race has a lot to offer the country in terms of culture and tourism. He noted that the tradition that gave life to the Igbo-Ukwu bronze civilisation that has been adjudged one of the best in the world and second to none in Africa is still existent.

"The technological height achieved by our great ancestors has not died. The bronze culture is still on in Igbo-Ukwu since 6th century BC."

Noting that great potentials abound in the region undeveloped, Igwe called on the Ministry to explore the 'seven wonders' of nature, which include Ogba Ukwu Wonderful Cave in Owerrezukala, Anambra State, Olokoro

Wooden Cave in Abia State, Amanchore Cave, Ebonyi State, Oguta Lake in Imo State as well Awhum Waterfall and Cave in Enugu States, among others, lying waste in their area.

While stressing that cultural festivals in the area, especially the New Yam Festival, have been invigorated, Igwe Nwafor prayed the minister to, among other things, appoint their subjects into the boards' of the ministry's parastatals. He asked government to put Igbo-Ukwu and the South East among the tourism zones of the country while also assisting in the funding of the New Yam Festival to rank among other national festivals like Osun Osogbo and the Argugun Fishing Festivals.

In his response, the Minister of State, who listened attentively to the six-man delegation, appreciated the body's recognition of the importance of culture, "not only as a tool for social development but that which also serves as a means of economic development and social integration."

While assuring them of the ministry's commitment to promoting culture and tourism, Hong expressed understanding of the pivotal role of the New Yam Festival in integrating the Igbo race. He informed that the issue, which has earlier been brought to the awareness of the ministry, is receiving due attention. He however charged his guests to call on the very entrepreneurial Igbo sons and daughters to invest in tourism as well as make the Igbo land tourism friendly so as to enable foreigners and investors to take advantage of the huge tourism potentials available in the region.

"I have no doubt in my mind about the importance of the New Yam Festival. It has been brought to our attention: its importance to the Igbo race and the need to make it become a national concern."

He however noted that the issue of making the New Yam Festival a national event compared to Osun Osogbo and others, lies strictly with the people of the area and their ability to market and project the festival by highlighting its potentials to the knowledge of the people.

"But let me quickly mention to you that Osun Osogbo and Argungun Fishing Festival, which you cite as example are the efforts of the states and private sector initiatives..."

"Our own is to give you a legitimate support like participating in it, providing technical expertise and also promoting the tourism content."

While pledging to identify with the Igbo people in all their cultural fiesta, the minister expressed regrets that he might not have the opportunity to participate in the oncoming Mbido Igbo Festival scheduled for November in Igbo Ukwu because of the Abuja Carnival holding at the same period.