The Abia State Chief Liaison Officer at the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Iheanyi Frank Chinasa has harped on the potential of culture and tradition to drive development, IgbereTV reports
The former Labour Party House of Reps candidate in the 2023 elections stated this while speaking to Dreamnews in his country home, Uzuakoli, Bende Local Government Area during the biennial “Ila-oso” festival of Uzuakoli Clan.
The Labour Party Chieftain said the festival celebrates great feats of the fathers of Uzuakoli Clan who through bravery were able to neutralize a wild Tiger and a wild elephant that roamed the community and attacked men and animals alike.
He explained that the festival affords young generations the opportunity to see the original skin of the Tiger and the risks of the elephant.
He encouraged parents and guardians to always find it as a matter of importance to always take their children to their hometowns in order to connect with their roots and familiarize themselves with their kinsmen.
Speaking further, Chief Iheanyi Chinasa said using culture as a veritable tool to drive development is in line with the vision of the Executive Governor of Abia State Dr Alex Otti, who is developing tourist attraction centers in the state.
He also disclosed that the Ịla oso would soon be adopted by UNESCO as part of its African Heritage Programmes which in order words would attract development in the area.
Chief Chinasa who also played host to some high profile guests including Chief James Ume (Ike Abam), the Rector of Ogbonnaya Ọnụ Polytechnic Aba Dr Christopher Kalu Okoro, the Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Okoro, among others encouraged Abians particularly not to use religion to jettison their traditions, especially those that do not contradict the Bible.
On his part, Chief James Ume commended the people of Uzuakoli for upholding their cultural heritage at a time when so many communities have allowed their traditions to dwindle due to religious influence.
Chief Ume, fondly called ‘Ike Abam’, appreciated Chief Iheanyi Chinasa, also known as ‘Agu Bende’ for his hospitality.
He called on Ndi Abia to regnite the torch of cultural unity as a way of social Integration and development.
