Traditional rulers from the South East has commended the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano appointing Mrs. Sally Mbanefo as the Commissioner for Indigenous Artworks, Diaspora Affairs, Culture and Tourism.
His Royal Highness, Igwe R. N. Ofor, the traditional ruler of Omogho who led the delegation of traditional rulers from Imo, Abia, Enugu and Anambra State on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner, praised the governor for bringing back home Olamma Ndi Igbo.
While recalling that the Olamma title was given to the commissioner in 2016 a the national Iri ji Festival in Igboukwu, when she was the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Igwe Ofor stated that the aim of the visit was to keep the state governor abreast of their preparation for the 2018 national Iri ji festival and to welcome the new commissioner.
He described the national Iri ji festival an avenue for showcasing and promoting the rich cultural heritage, which according to him, is more visible in Anambra State than in any other state of the federation.
The traditional ruler then thanked the Governor Obiano for his past supports to the festival.
Speaking during the courtesy visit, the Commissioner, Mrs Mbanefo said that her appointment was to serve Ndi Anambra and help the Governor to make Anambra more attractive for Ndi Anambra in diaaspora to come home and invest.
Mbanefo stated that Anambra and indeed the Southeast have rich cultural history that should be showcased at all times.
She urged the traditional rulers to use their positions to promote the Igbo language, “which is the hallmark of our culture.”
The Commissioner further reinstated the state government readiness “to promote and support the showcasing of our rich cultural heritage.”
