Former Governor of Imo, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has urged Imo communities to preserve their cultural heritage while embracing development and progress.
Ihedioha made the call at the 2026 annual Iriji Mbaise Cultural Festival held at Oke Ovoro Secondary School, Uvuru, Mbaise.
He stressed the importance of cultural identity and encouraged the people of Mbaise to value their history, traditions and institutions and pass them on to future generations.
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The former governor commended the leadership of Ezurueze, led by Surveyor Joe Ogbonna Anosike, for organising the festival, as well as Mbaise sons and daughters at home and abroad for their contributions to the celebration.
He also praised the people of Mbaise for maintaining their unity despite the challenges associated with organising the festival.
Ihedioha said the successful celebration of Iriji Mbaise 2026 demonstrated the community’s commitment to protecting its cultural heritage and sustaining its traditions.
The colourful event brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, professionals, community leaders, sons and daughters of Mbaise, as well as friends of the community from across Nigeria and beyond.
The festival provided an opportunity for the people to give thanks for the new harvest while celebrating their cultural heritage and reinforcing the bonds of unity among the community.
Among the dignitaries at the event were the Senator representing Owerri Zone, Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi; Member representing Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Chinedu Martins; and the Minister of Culture and Tourism, represented by Hon. Kingsley Ngene Bash.
Others included Chief Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc; Major General O. A. Fadairo, General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, and Commander, Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA; and Barr. P.G.U. Madu.
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