. calls for polices in favour of youths
The Ozo Ugo Ebenaja of Okpuno Community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Ozo Joseph Obiekwe Okonkwo has called for unity among leaders of Igbo land, more so the traditional leaders.
He said it was high time the custodians of the Igbo culture and heritage united to seek deeper and sustainable ways to improve the lot of the Igbo race in the Nigerian federation.
To achieve that he said there was need for cohesion and common sense of united purpose without selfish interests and review of the cultural values of Igbo people.
He spoke on the occasion of 25th anniversary, Ofalla of His Royal Majesty Igwe Engr. Sunday Okafor Ogene Nke Izizi Okpuno Eze Omeleora 1 of Okpuno and their iri ji festival.
Ozo Okonkwo said the desecration of traditions, cultures and values of the Igbos could account for the increasing rate of crimes and disrespect to what the fore fathers saw and treated as sacred.
“Our age- long value systems should be revived such that the virtue of respect for elders and constituted authorities are revived”.
Okonkwo, Ozo Akaoma Jide Aku, popularly known as Obitex, explained that the peace they enjoy in his community is due to the disposition of their Igwe to peace and extension of sense of belonging to others.
“The offalla ceremonies are used to celebrate anniversaries of the coronation of their Igwe, “it affords us more opportunities for thanksgiving and reminiscence of the years past.”
“The iri ji festival is the beginning of new harvest season, such times we eat our new yam and share with relatives and friends, ” he noted.
The Ozo, a business mogul explained that his community houses We courts in the State capital territory, INEC, the State House of Assembly, “It is high time our people get to represent us at that hallowed chambers. We have men of impeccable character charisma and goodwill to do that, effectively”.
“The youths shall remain the pillars of every society. There should be deliberate efforts and policies meant to encourage the youths to engage in democratic politics, elective and appointive positions of authority and other meaningful ventures including trade and artisan,” he said.
He expressed worries that some youths are misguided to undertake criminal ventures, “If the youths gainfully engaged crime will naturally be reduced.”
