Sustenance of good Igbo cultural heritage is our mission – Ogbako Nde Nze Ngor Okpala

Photo: Cross section of members of Ogbako Nde Nze Ngor Okpala in a group photograph. Photo by Nze Prof. Alabekee Chikwendu, Umuagwu Village.

By Everest Ezihe, Ngor Okpala

Worried by alleged conspiracy in certain quarters to ensure that Igbo cultural and traditional heritage goes into extinction, the prestigious but historical Ogbako Nde Nze Ngor Okpala has resolved that their mission is to ensure that the ethnic nationality’s good cultural and traditional heritage are sustained and promoted in the overall interest of humanity.

The famous socio-cultural organization and crusader made the declaration last Saturday during their well attended historical meeting held at Mbaisii, Obiri Ama Asaa, Umuagwu Village, Okpala Autonomous Community, in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.

The meeting was hosted by Nze Alex Ike, Chairman of Nde Nze Mbaisii and presided by Okenze Sylvester Obinna, the Chairman Ogbako Nde Nze Ngor Okpala while Okenze Prof. Alabekee Chikwendu, the Okenze of Okpala, whose coordinating efforts ensured the successful organisation of the evergreen traditional and cultural assembly.

The meeting commenced with paying royal homage to HRH Eze Obinna Eziakonwa, Chairman of the Ngor Okpala Council of Traditional Rulers and Asaa I of Okpala Autonomous Community by the members of the revered traditional institution.

The royal reception was followed by traditional salutations and felicitations by Oha Orie, Ndi Ndom, Ndi Mgboto, and the Mbaisii Elites, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and unity of purpose by the people.

Among the eminent personalities in attendance are; Okenze S. I. Obinna, Okenze Nde Ngor Okpala Nile and Onowu of Nguru/Umuowa Autonomous Community, who joined other respected traditional title holders in promoting unity of purpose, peace, cultural and traditional preservations, as well as the advancement of the socio-cultural organization.

Also present were Okenze Kenneth Agbiriogu, Okenze Onyeaghialanwanneya, Okenze Emmy Nkwota, Okenze Okwe, and many other distinguished Okenzes and Nde Nze drawn from the 29 autonomous communities within Ngor Okpala Local Government Area .

A major highlight of the gathering was the appointment of Nze Noel Chiagorom as the Acting Secretary of the socio-cultural organization, a development warmly applauded by members as a significant step towards strengthening the administrative structure of the association.

The historical cultural assembly featured spectacular masquerade performances, traditional rites, cultural dances, and other indigenous displays that celebrated the rich customs and enduring heritage of the Ngor Okpala people.

Interestingly, the participants reaffirmed their commitment towards the preservation of Igbo cultural values, strengthening unity among Nde Nze, supporting the institution of traditional leadership, and promoting peace and sustainable development within Ngor Okpala and even beyond.

According to Nze Noel Chiagorom, the Editor-in-Chief of The Nation’s Eyes Newspaper and an active participant at the meeting, “the successful gathering of Ogbako Nde Nze Ngor Okpala at Mbaisii is another testament to the enduring relevance of Nigeria’s traditional institutions.

“Beyond its colourful cultural displays, the meeting demonstrated the commitments of Nde Nze towards the preservation of Igbo customs and traditions, fostering unity among communities, and providing moral leadership at the grassroots.

“The appointment of new officers and the active participation of respected traditional leaders, underscores the determination of the organisation to remain a strong voice in promoting peace, cultural identity, and community development across Ngor Okpala and its environ” he assured.

Adding his voice, Okenze Prof. Alabekee Chikwendu, the Coordinator of the successful meeting, pointed out that the essence of the strategic meeting is to strengthen and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the people of Ngor Okpala and its environ, while promoting peace, unity, and harmony across the various autonomous communities within the Local Government Area and even beyond.

Okenze Chikwendu also informed that the meeting systematically focused on the need to preserve traditional values, customs, and institutions that have long defined the identity and heritage of the people of Ngor Okpala and her neighbours.

He reiterated that the council meeting equally deliberated on the importance of safeguarding her rich cultural practices and transmitting them to future generations, in order to sustain the community’s unique traditions and historical legacies.

The Council meeting he also informed, equally offered members an ample opportunity to discuss on strategies for strengthening unity among the various autonomous communities and fostering peaceful coexistence within their traditional jurisdictions and even beyond.

The Coordinator patriotically reiterated that peace, mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation remain essential ingredients for sustainable development and progress in the council area and its environ.