Prince Madumere made this call while playing host to a group under the aegis of Odoziobodo, for which he is a member, at his country home at Lake Malinda, Achi-Mbieri, Mbaitoli local government area of Imo State.
Speaking to his age grade members, the number two citizens appreciated the effort of Mbaise nation in preserving the core positive cultural heritage of the Igbo race. He also eulogised Mbaise Nation for preserving Mbaise Igbo dialect irrespective of their place of sojourn, education and status. He called on other Igbo brothers to borrow a leaf from Mbaise Nation.
The number two citizen further expressed excitement noting that Mbaise Age grade system embraces women even as wives their members are allowed to attend meetings with their husbands. He described such sensitivity as gender friendly, thereby protecting the esteem of the women.
Explaining his affinity with the people of Mbaise, he said he remembers Mbaise with nostalgia having had his Secondary education at Enyiogugu Secondary School. He said the opportunity of attending his Secondary education in Mbiase exposed him to friends who are like his brothers till date. He said at various times. His words; "I remember Mbaise with nostalgia. Mbaise made me what I am because it was Mbaise that I met great friends who have become associates till date. There are things you cannot take away from them. They are focused and highly educated. Most importantly in their greatness, they never forget home and their cultural heritage. Their new yam festival and Orji Mbaise have received attention and commendation of the global community. I feel highly honoured to be admitted into Odoziobodo Age grade since 2014. I have appreciated bonding and sticking together towards achieving set goals amid merriment."
Prince Madumere however described age grade system as very vital in moulding and shaping the morality of the people since it has a way of punishing and ostracizing its members found to have contravened in laid down rules and found to have violated the laws of the land. He also extolled the effort of the age grade in working together to make input in community development and ensuring that peace and tranquility rein in the relationship among members and other members of the society.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Group, Comrade Austin Chilakpo who is also Imo State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress thanked Deputy Governor for his understanding and appreciation of Igbo culture having come from a Royal family and born by an Eze. He revealed that Prince Madumere, for his close affinity and appreciation of the people of Mbaise, had been a member of the age grade since 2014.
He described Madumere as a great son of Mbaise by association and adoption, reminding members of the group of how Madumere has championed Mbaise affairs at highest level. He also encouraged him to continue in his humble and accommodating attitude, which will continually open doors for him.
He pledged the support of the group in anything of interest to him and even the Owelle Rochas Okorocha led government, which he is the number two.
The group under the aegis of Odoziobodo Age Grade came in company of Traditional Rulers of Mbaise extraction led by HRH, Eze Pat Uwapepe, Eze Ndiohia Ogbe of Aboh Mbaise local government area of Imo State.
High point of the event was the display of cultural dances by Nnarambia Cultural Association of Mbaise, which Imo Deputy Governor showed his mettle both in playing of instruments and dance steps.
Uche Onwuchekwa
Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor on Media
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.