The Imo’ state Commissioner for Tourism, Hospitality and Culture, Barr. Jerry Egbule Egemba has called on the need to appreciate and promote Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage.

The Commissioner made this call in commemoration of the 2024 World Culture Day, which has as its theme: “Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development”. “Today is dedicated to recognizing and cherishing the rich tapestry of traditions, arts, beliefs and values that define our humanity. Culture is indeed the heartbeat of every society and it’s the thread that weaves together our history, our language, our music, our arts, and our collective memories”.

Addressing stakeholders from the Tourism, Hospitality and Cultural sectors which included Traditional Rulers. The Honourable Commissioner, highlighted on the benefit of collaboration to address cultural identities, which provides a sense of belonging for continuity, amidst the constant changes of the modern World. He stressed that culture plays a pivotal role in the lives of a person or society and operate as a means of accumulating, storing, and transmitting human experience.

“It’s culture that shapes people into who they are, as they gain knowledge, learn the language, the symbols, the values, the norms, the customs and the traditions, culture is a reflection of a community or nation”. Barr. Egemba, while emphasizing averred that culture reflect a community or nation, and that it is an extremely vital determinant to how a particular community responds, reacts, grow both individually and collectively. Availing that culture create a sense of belonging, especially when the people speaks the same languages that unites them. The Chairman of the occasion, HRM Eze Dr. Oliver Ohanwe, (Gburugburu) on his part, said he is constrained by the global nature of the occasion to speak in English, and with the permission of the Royal Father of the Day proceeded. Thanking the governor for re appointing Jerry Egemba whom he said is on track towards cultural revival.

The Chairman emphasized that culture provides the enabling environment for peaceful cohabitation and averred that Igbo culture ranks the best among others. The Royal Father of the Day, HRM Eze Dr E. C Okeke, CFR represented by HRH Eze Lucky Okoro PhD, recalled an interaction with the Commissioner the role of Traditional Rulers to the evolving of culture harping on the avowed interest of Royal Fathers encouraging the establishment of cultural centres across the LGAs for the promotion and development of culture. While a cultural ambassador, Paddy Obinna stroked a balance between foreign and indigenous cultures.

The guest lecturer, Dr.(Mrs) Lilian Managwu emphasized on the pivotal role of cultural diversity in societal development, stressing that embracing cultural differences fosters respect and enhances human dignity, laying the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity. The event was graced by dignitaries from the traditional, educational, religious and business sectors. Meanwhile, Barr. Egemba has disclosed that in order to boost the tourism industry in the State and showcase our rich cultural heritage to both foreign and local tourists, the state government has announced that the Ozurimo cultural festival will hold in November this year.

The Commissioner made the pronouncement when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman, Traditional Institute and Community Policing, Imo State, His Royal Majesty, Eze E.C. Okeke. He described Imo State as one blessed with diversity of cultures including our festivals, dances, crafts and food which holds immense potentials for revenue generation, economic growth and development, community empowerment and the promotion of peace and unity. He disclosed that his Ministry would work in synergy with traditional rulers in the State in the preservation of our rich cultural heritage especially in the face of obvious threat to our values, culture, norms, traditions and way of life often ascribed to modernization and globalization.

He called on traditional rulers to collaborate with his Ministry to ensure that our cultural heritage remains vibrant and Imo state becomes a top destination for cultural tourism. Welcoming the Commissioner, Eze Okeke thanked Governor Hope Uzodimma for re-appointing Barrister Egemba as Commissioner for tourism and adding culture to his portfolio and described him as round peg in a round hole. He pledged on behalf of all traditional rulers in the State their commitment towards the realization of the lofty objectives of the Commissioner in showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Imo state to the world.