Okowa sues for a united Delta
The governor of Delta State today made a strong appeal to the various ethnic groups to come together and build a united Delta State for faster and greater development.
He therefore called on the Urhobos, the Ijaws, Isokos and Itsekiris to work with the Anioma people to achieve that noble goal.
He expressed these sentiments at the 18th Anioma Cultural Festival organised by the Organization for The Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC) in Asaba.
He explained the need for Delta unity :’ In the last eight years, I have been governor of Delta State. We have come to realize that though our tongues may differ, we are one people in Delta State.
The unity of this state is one thing we must strive to give strength to by having a united Anioma, Urhobo nation, Isoko nation, Ijaw nation and Itsekiri nation.
All we need to do is to ensure that we keep ourselves together and we will have a united Delta State. And ensure that development gets to every part of Delta State.’
The governor also used the occasion to appreciate all Deltans especially the royal fathers for their support and understanding.
He stated that Delta State is one of the most peaceful states in the country.
He thanked OFAAC for organizing the yearly event to sustain Anioma culture and tradition and made a case of declaring every Easter Monday as ‘Anioma Day’ worldwide.
He ,however, said it was not his position to make such declaration but that of the Anioma traditional rulers.
He specially lauded this year festival theme ‘Preserving Our Cultural Heritage’s
He commended OFAAC for the propagation and advancement of Anioma culture over the years.
Listen to the governor :’Today’s event is the 18th in the series. Eighteen years is a year of maturity and I believe that this is a very special day.
I thank the president and members of the organising committee for keeping this cultural festival alive for 18 years. I believe that the president and the traditional institutions at every event, have truly enriched this because rightfully, they are the custodians of our culture.
The festival has become a yearly thing during the Easter period and I think that it is already established. I heard our brother talk about the need to ensure not only sustenance, but the fact that we need to declare it an Anioma Day.’
Speaking earlier, president of OFAAC, Mr Kester Ifeadi thanked the governor for the support in advancing the Anioma culture.
He disclosed that about 170 groups participated in this year festival and made a plea for the declaration of every Easter Monday as Anioma Day celebration world wide.
Many dignatries graced the occasion including Chief Patrick Ukah, SSG, Culture and Tourism Commissioner, Mr Lawrence Ejiofor and Dr John Ezenyili, Oshimili South Council Chairman.
