When Culture Is Lost, Society Is Gone- Governor Alex Otti Urges Abians to Preserve Tradition and Embrace Agriculture

Judy

Apr 21, 2025 - 10:53

When Culture Is Lost, Society Is Gone- Governor Alex Otti Urges Abians to Preserve Tradition and Embrace Agriculture

The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has emphasized the urgent need to preserve cultural heritage and promote agriculture as essential tools for societal sustainability and economic independence.

Speaking at the 2025 Ekponibro Cultural Festival (Ugbo Nmiri Nma) held at Etiti Abam Primary School in Arochukwu LGA, Governor Otti passionately asserted that "any society that loses its tradition and culture is dead and gone."The festival, a historic and colorful event, was organized by the UNUBIKO Foundation in partnership with and endorsed by the Abia State Government.

"This speaks to our tradition and culture. And, any society that loses its tradition and culture is gone. In those days, societies begin to die when they lose their tradition. They begin to go into bondage and slavery,"Governor Otti told the gathering.

The Governor praised the Abam people for holding tightly to their roots and lauded Chief James Ume, founder of UNUBIKO Foundation, for his commitment to cultural preservation through his sponsorship of the event.

In addition to culture, Governor Otti used the platform to advocate for a renewed focus on agriculture, calling it the "true stomach infrastructure."

"If you do not have the vision, this is the time. The planting season is about starting. You can plant in tears, but when you are reaping, you reap in joy-What you call stomach infrastructure is in your farm. And, it is what is in your hands that God uses to bless you"

The Governor also appreciated the Abam people for supporting the contractors working on infrastructure projects in the area. He assured them that the new road, already in use, would be formally commissioned soon, reinforcing his administration's commitment to rural development and connectivity.

The Abia State Commissioner for Culture and Creative Economy, Dr. Matthew Ekwuruibe, commended the Governor for physically gracing the occasion, highlighting that under Otti's leadership, all sectors especially the cultural sector are receiving the attention they deserve.

He reiterated the state's dedication to the preservation of Igbo heritage and praised Chief Ume for his patriotic efforts through the Ekponibro festival.

Chief James Ume, Founder of the UNUBIKO Foundation, expressed profound gratitude to the Governor for his physical presence and endorsement of the event. He described the festival as a remembrance of their ancestral journey, resilience, and triumphs, especially in the area of sea trading of agricultural produce like cocoa, palm kernel, and palm oil.

The Ekponibro cultural festival is a heritage bequeathed to us by our fathers, symbolizing our strength, struggles, and exploits,"he stated.

The Rector of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, explained that this year's festival, themed "Long May They Reign,"celebrates the challenges faced and victories achieved by their forbearers in the sea-based agricultural trade. He described the risks, including harsh weather, fallen tree trunks, wild animals, and hostile communities, that the traders faced in their voyages.