By Rufus Oseji
Obiaruku: Chairman of Ogbondokwa Development Initiative, Engr Meshack Ochonogor has tasked the people of Ndokwa on the need to reactivate the dying cultural heritage of Ndokwa.
Ochonogor who was speaking during the 2nd edition of the Ogbondokwa Cultural Festival, held on 24 December, 2016, in Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, noted that the group’s primary objective was to restore the fast eroding cultural values and moral ethic of the people.
He noted that it was the desire of the NGO to use the platform of the festival and other development programme to redirect the focus of the youths to positive ventures, thus promote peace, and development.
While thanking the founders, especially Mrs Tracy Pen Ogbolu, for their foresight to reawaken the beauty of the culture of the area, he sued for support of Ndokwa people to succeed.
“The founders need to be praised, especially Mrs Tracy Pen Ogbolu for their foresight, however, your assistants and supports are needed to achieve the goal of the formation.” He said.
Also speaking, the Delta State Commissioner for Water Resource, Chief Fidelis Tilije, while praising the organisers, admonished the people on the need to not only preserve the Ndokwa cultural heritage, but also promote it through events like the Ogbondokwa Carnival.
On his part the Odogu Adi Ebuo of Amai Kingdom, Sir Dele Omenogor called on the group to continue, and not be discouraged.
The occasion which started in the morning with cultural parade around the streets of Obiaruku, displaying the rich cultural dances and features of the people of Ndokwa. The train of procession ended at the Obiaruku Grammer School, where dances, traditional wrestling and other ndokwa culture were displayed.
In attendance, the Chairman of Ukwuani LGA, Barr Ndudi Osakunih-Izuegbu, Chief KSC Daphey, Double Chief Victor Enuma of Aboh Kingdom, a member of the board of the NGO, Chief BJK Ekezue, Mr Jude Aguoye and other sons and daughters of Ndokwa.
