Anambra 2021: Ozigbo commits to promoting cultural tourism, as monarch harps on youth empowerment

[From CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki]

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag-bearer for November 6, 2021, Anambra governorship election, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, has promised to promote tourism with special attention to elevating the culture and traditions of the Igbo people if elected governor.

This is as a traditional ruler in Anambra East Local Government Area, Igwe Sir George Ekwealor (Oba-Agu ll) has harped on youth unemployment as he also admonished youths against being used by politicians to cause trouble in the forthcoming governorship poll.

Ozigbo, who is the immediate past President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, gave the assurance last Saturday when he was a special guest at the 2021 New Yam Festival of His Royal Highness, Igwe Damian Ezeani, the traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area of the State.

Ozigbo said the cultural practices of the Igbo people, such as the New Yam festival, should be promoted to attract tourists from across the globe to become the envy of the world.

The Governorship hopeful said, “Our cultural practices, such as the New Yam festival, are our unique identity. They represent who we are and how we can shape our future.

“If we inject significant investment, creative energies, and business ideas into our culture and traditions, we will become the envy of the world. We must reflect on how to improve on our cultural practices so that we can attract the rest of the world.

“I have rich experience in hospitality and tourism, and I am regarded as the king of domestic tourism. When I was the managing director and CEO of Transcorp Hotels, I received the international Hospitality Man of the Year Award in Greece.

“I have always promoted Nigerian cultures, particularly, the Igbo culture, and I will continue to do so if elected governor.”

Ozigbo congratulated Igwe Ezeani on the successful festival and assured him of his continued support.

The PDP governorship candidate said Ozigbo, said he was in the governorship race to rebuild Anambra and reclaim its lost glory.

“Anambra is suffering a grave infrastructural deficit. Taking a close look at the state of our roads, our hospitals, our schools, and other social systems, you’ll wonder if this is the same Anambra of Nnamdi Azikwe, Alex Ekwueme, Peter Obi, and other great leaders.

“The upcoming governorship election presents us with a golden opportunity to re-write our story. PDP is the best political party in Nigeria today. Unlike others, our processes are democratic and we have a large umbrella to accommodate all of us regardless of our tribe, gender, beliefs, or creed.

“I believe that I have the right combination of competence, character, and compassion required in the leader we need to transform our dear state.

“Anaocha is the place of prominent PDP stakeholders like His Excellency Peter Obi, Senator Uche Ekwunife, the Chairperson of our campaign council and other great people. We do not doubt that Anaocha and Neni, in particular, will embrace excellent governance by supporting us,” Ozigbo said.

In his response, Igwe Damian Ezeani thanked Ozigbo for attending the event and assured him of his goodwill and support.

“Very few politicians do the kinds of thing I always see you doing. You always reach out to the low and mighty. You extend your goodwill to all.

“From every indication, you have good plans for Anambra, and I will assure you of my goodwill and prayers.”

In his remarks, the lawmaker representing Anaocha at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon Ebele Ejiofor, described Ozigbo as “a man of sound character, who will re-write the story of the state, if given the opportunity”.

Meanwhile, traditional ruler of Umuoba-Anam, Anambra East Local Government Area, Igwe Sir George Ekwealor (Oba-Agu ll) of Anam Kingdom has admonished youths against being used by politician to cause trouble in the November 6 governorship election in the State.

The Monarch gave the advice in an address he presented to his community during the 2021 Otite (New Yam) Festival held in his palace.

Igwe Ekwealor who reiterated the importance of youth empowerment by the State Government and other influential bodies, noted that a lot needed to be done to curb youth unemployment.

He described Otite Festival as a period of hospitality by indigenes, which offers the indigenes the opportunity to thank and glorify God for a successful planting and harvesting season.

Speaking with Journalists, the traditional ruler of Ezi Agulu-Otu, Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government of the state,Igwe Lawrence Nwofia Prayed for sustenance of peace in Umuoba-Anam.

The visiting traditional ruler advised his host to remain focused in the task of uniting his subjects  to attract more development to the community.