South East Governors charged to promote their cultural heritage

From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

The Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has called on the
states within the South East geo-political zone to establish cultural
centres to ensure the preservation, documentation and promotion of
Igbo cultural heritage.

Okorocha, who made the call while inspecting the multi million naira
cultural centre being constructed by his administration for the people
of Owerri zone, stated that the promotion of culture should be a
collective responsibility.

He expressed regrets that most Igbos do not appreciate their culture,
a situation which according to him has forced them into copying
foreign culture. He maintained that unless actions like establishment
of cultural centres and organizing cultural festivals are taken,
certain aspect of Igbo culture stand the risk of going into
extinction.

“Culture is our heritage. We owe it as a duty to bequeath it to the
next generation. We must do everything to promote, preserve and
document it for the next generation. If we fail in this
responsibility, they will not forgive us. It is their right. My
government attaches high premium to it” he added.

The Governor disclosed that the project will be replicated in Orlu and
Okigwe zones of the state. He explained that the cultural centre will
promote among other things, culture, peace and unity, pointing out
that the centre will further strengthen bottom-top approach to the
state development and called for deliberate collaborative effort to
promote and project the Igbo culture.