2023: Igbo People Must Not Be Boxed To A Corner – Amb. Bianca Ojukwu Says
Former Nigerian envoy to the Kingdom of Spain Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, has said that it would be politically suicidal for Igbo people to allow themselves to be boxed to a corner in 2023.
She therefore challenged them on the need come together under a common front to pursue their political interests in order to emancipate themselves from years of marginalization and discrimination.
Amb. Ojukwu further said only a united front would enable the Igbo people make an emphatic political statement in Nigeria even as she noted that as an ethnic group, the Igbo people have been denied the presidency of Nigeria for so long.
Ojukwu, who spoke in Minnesota, United States of America (USA) at the 2022 ‘Igbofest’ hosted by the Umunne Cultural Association, where she was the special guest of honor following the declaration of August 13, as Igbo Day by the Governor of the State, Mr. Tim Walz, said that the Igbo people cannot make progress by becoming internally divided particularly, with some of the major stakeholders working against the collective interests.
In her words; “We must unite to achieve our common goal. We must continue to build pragmatic partnerships and anchor our aspirations on strategic engagements, alliances, and negotiations which while tapping into our collective goodwill and progressive agenda, will advance our political interests.
While applauding her hosts for constantly updating themselves with happenings in Igboland, Amb. Ojukwu noted that they are concerned about happenings at home and called for the sustenance of the culture and traditions of the Igbo people.
Ojukwu urged the Igbo people not to abandon their culture saying that Igbo cultural norms should be religiously transmitted to the growing generation.
Paying tribute to the giant strides of Igbo people in Minnesota, the former envoy enjoined them to continue to promote the noble traditions and culture that have helped shaped their worldview while striving to transmit the same to their offspring.
According to her; “Our cultural heritage is what shapes our sense of identity as a people, in addition to promoting social cohesion and most importantly, creates a sense of belonging and collective pride in the norms and traditions which our ancestors bequeathed us”.
In his remarks, chairman of the event, Chief Elvis Abanonu, said the survival of any society, or culture, is solely dependent on the passage of its norms and principles to the next generation, adding that the 2022 Igbofest speaks to the people’s intent of getting the next generation ready to take over the mantle of leadership.
Speaking in turn, the President of Umunne Cultural Association, Dr. Jane Nwaudo, said that the association has made significant changes in its philosophical principles by encouraging collaborative efforts with other entities in the community.
She said that as a body of individuals focused on cultural heritage legacy, they will continued to strengthen the link with a new generation of Igbo youths born and raised in the United States of America.
Nwaudo said; “To this end, the association has continued to empower our youth financially through offering scholarships to high school graduates, promoting cultural activities and pageants to instill greater self-esteem and pride in their identity”.
The 2022 Igbofest was a showcase of the best of Igbo culture, featuring masquerades, cultural dances, and performances, Igbo sporting activities, language debates, culinary contests, pageants and replication of Igbo customary rites for a new generation of Igbo youth.
