Former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu has advised Nigerians in the Diaspora to continue to promote the rich cultural heritage of the country.
Ojukwu, Special Guest of honour at the official flag off of the 2022 edition of Igbo Cultural Carnival popularly known as IGBOFEST held in the State of Minnesota, United States of America (USA) gave the advice on Tuesday.
The well attended event by Nigerians in the Diaspora especially those in the USA was hosted by Umunne Cultural Association Minnesota.
A release issued by Barth Odogwu, Media Assistant to Mrs Ojukwu and made available to journalists on Thursday in Awka quoted her to have praised Nigerians in Minnesota for their giant strides in the promotion of the country’s rich culture.
“I enjoin you to continue to promote the noble traditions and culture that have helped shaped the world view whilst always striving to transmit same to your offsprings.
“Our Cultural heritage is what shapes our sense of identity, it promotes social cohesion, creates a sense of belonging and collective pride in the norms and traditions which our ancestors bequeathed on us,” she said.
The former ambassador used the event to advise the large gathering of Ndigbo that unity was key in realizing the socio-economic and political advancement of the race both at home and in the Diaspora.
‘We must unite to achieve our common goal. I know you are concerned about happenings at home, do your best certainly the will of God will come to pass in our life time,” she said.
Mrs Ojukwu told the Diaspora Community to always eschew divisive tendencies, saying no society ever make progress by becoming internally divided.
Dr. Mrs Jane Nwaudo, President of Umunne Cultural Association, Minnesota in her remarks said the association has made significant changes in their philosophical principles by encouraging collaborative efforts with other entities in the USA.
Nwaudo said, the group focused on cultural heritage legacy to strengthen the link with a new generation of youth of igbo descent, born and raised in the United States of America.
‘This 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,” Nwaudo said.
The chairman of the event, Mr Elvis Abanonu highlighted the theme of 2022 IGBOFEST as Creating Cultural Awareness for the Next Generation.
He said that the survival of any society or culture is solely dependent on the passage of its norms and principles to the next generation and encouraged participants to always cherish their identity.
Abanonu said that the US state of Minnesota has served as a melting pot of cultures for foreigners and immigrants from all over the world, adding, thousands of Igbo people live in this Minnesota.
The event was attended by many personalities including Governor of Minnesota, Mr Tim Walz who declared the annual event open.
The colorful week long event showcased; Masquerades, cultural dances and performances, Igbo sports activities, language debates, culinary contests, pageants among others.
