Former Imo Governor, 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 highlighted 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.
READ ALSO: ASUP urges Fubara to reconstitute Rivers Health College governing council
The former governor commended the leadership of Ezurueze, led by surveyor Joe Ogbonna Anosike, for organizing the festival, as well as the sons and daughters of Mbaise 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 organizing 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 colorful event brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, professionals, community leaders, sons and daughters of Mbaise, as well as community friends from across Nigeria and beyond.
The festival provided an opportunity for people to give thanks for the new harvest while celebrating their cultural heritage and strengthening ties of unity among the community.
Among the dignitaries present at the event were 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 the Hon. Kingsley Ngene Bash.
Others included Chief Stanley Amuchie, Chief Executive Officer/Head of Operations and Information at Fidelity Bank Plc; Major General OA Fadairo, General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, and Commander, Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA; and Barr. PGU Madu.
WATCH THE BEST VIDEOS FROM Newslodge TV