Willie Obiano, governor of Anambra, State has called on Igbo people to sustain and promote their rich cultural heritage.
Obiano made the call at the Ito Aro (retirement ceremony) Ogidi Cultural Festival, held at Ogidi Town Hall in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
He stressed the need for the Igbo nation to encourage and sustain culture that celebrate people while alive, rather than honour them in death.
Obiano commended the organisers, especially traditional ruler for the colourful and orderly nature of the event.
Traditional ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Alex Oyido, said the Ito Aro is an age-long traditional observance in Ogidi which had been abandoned for quite a long time.
“Ito Aro is deeply rooted in the age grade system in Igboland.
“Age grade in Ogidi has been very influential and impacted positively on communal discipline, community development and engineered healthy competitive spirit among the youth,” he said.
Emmanuel Ndukuba, Awka
