Obioma Mbaise Elites Advocate For Cultural Resurgence And Development

Obioma Mbaise Elites (OME), a socio-cultural organization, has called on the communities and stakeholders in Mbaise to actively work towards reviving, promoting, and preserving the region’s cultural heritage for growth and development. This appeal was made by Nze James Chibunna Ukah, the President-General of OME, in a press statement.

Nze Ukah highlighted that Mbaise is rich in cultural values and festivals with the potential to generate revenue and elevate Mbaise to a prominent position on the global tourist map if properly managed and promoted.

He noted that the Iri ji Mbaise festival has recently been mired in controversy, attributing this to political interference in its planning and celebration. Nze Ukah suggested that the festival should be organized exclusively by Ndi Ezeji to ensure the event’s objectives are met and to maintain peace. He proposed that traditional rulers and Ezurezu Mbaise could serve in advisory capacities.

Nze Ukah also recommended the establishment of a permanent Iri ji Mbaise planning committee, involving professional event managers and promoters from Mbaise, to develop a long-term plan for the annual festival.

He emphasized that Obioma Mbaise Elites, comprising distinguished individuals from Mbaise, aims to foster peace and progress by promoting sustainable development and social justice in the region. He stated that membership is open to all elite individuals from Mbaise and that OME is ready to collaborate with other reputable organizations for development.

Dr. Innocent Nwogwugwu Ibe, the Secretary of OME, expressed concern over the poor state of infrastructure in Mbaise, calling it heartbreaking. He urged political leaders in Mbaise to provide effective representation for their constituents.

Additionally, Sir Princehollidey Okeke, Chairman of Ethics and Discipline at OME, stressed the importance of maintaining self-identity to strengthen character. He emphasized the need for a cultural reset in Mbaise, which could lead to positive changes in the community. He affirmed that Obioma Mbaise Elites is prepared to collaborate with any reputable organization to play a major role in this cultural revival.