The Government of Imo State has commended the people of Mbaise Nation in Imo State for preserving the cultural heritage of Ndi Igbo.
The State Government also assured the people of Governor Rochas Okorocha’s resolve to work with them to improve on their infrastructure and general development of the Mbaise Nation.
The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Price Eze Madumere, said this on Tuesday while addressing the people of Mbaise Nation and the mammoth crowd that thronged the venue of the festival in Aboh Mbaise shortly after performing the traditional “Iwa Ji and Iri Ji.”
Prince Madumere, who represented Okorocha, began his address with a message of hope and love, peace and unity.
The number two citizen of Imo State, who had his childhood and part of his secondary education in Mbaise, also said Governor Okorocha has high regards for the people, adding that it is the reason he has always worked with the people as their sons and daughters are appointed to lead and serve in strategic positions.
He revealed Governor Okorocha has directed that construction work should begin on some of the roads in the area as soon as the rains are over.
He also asserted that academic activities will soon begin in Mbaise-Ngor-Okpala Campus of the Imo State University.
It will be recalled that Governor Okorocha had promised to build a campus of the Imo State University in Mbaise-Ngor-Okpala axis as proposed under the administration of late Dr. Sam Mbakwe, which became a mere political tool but was begun and 80 per cent near completion by the Okorocha-led Rescue Mission Government.
Prince Madumere speaking on Iri Ji Mbaise, described the event as the height of celebration of Igbo culture, which is universal in every Igbo community.
He said yam remains the chief-crop of Igboland and mainstay of agriculture in the traditional Igbo society, adding it is worthy of being celebrated.
He however attributed the Iri Ji festival as symbolic and significant to the enterprise of Igbo man.
He also asserted that development of agriculture keys into Owelle Rochas Okorocha Government’s idea of diversification of economy.
He also used the opportunity to call for the support of the good people of Mbaise Nation, saying that the Rescue Mission Government’s strength does not lie on force and might but on the love, cooperation and massive support it enjoys from the people including the people of Mbaise Nation.
The high points of the event were the visit to the barn and “Iwa Ji and Iri Ji” ceremonies, which afforded the people of Mbaise and other guests to appreciate Mbaise Nation by making donations for the execution of some of the community projects.