WRITTEN BY AMAKA CHIBUZOR OKOYE
In a bid to safeguard Igbo cultural heritage, the state government has expressed its commitment to providing a conducive environment that will enable Ndi Anambra to showcase their culture.

The Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Sally Mbanefo, stated this during the Anambra State Culture Talent Hunt organized by the Ministry Of Diaspora Affairs, Culture and Tourism in Collaboration with Black Heritage Creative Entertainment International, held in Awka.

The event attracted youths who displayed their talents in cultural dances, drumming, flute among other Igbo cultural musical instruments.

The Commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Tony Ezenwaka, said the Ministry was seeking to discover, train and empower talented youths in the state so as to take them out of the streets and make them useful to themselves and the society.

She disclosed that the present administration places high premium on culture and tradition hence the creation of the Ministry which he said is now digging deep to rediscover some Igbo cultural activities which are in danger of extinction.

The Director Arts and Culture in the Ministry, Barrister Nkiru Ekeomodi, said the platform has given some of the youths avenue to showcase their hidden talents noting that when they become gainfully employed, it will reduce social vices and unemployment in the society.

The Abia State Director of Culture, Mr. Robert Okoji, commended the state for the laudable program which he said, will help to redirect the steps of the youths towards rediscovering their root and engaging them meaningfully.

Also Speaking, a lecturer of Theater Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Dr Toochukwu Okeke, said the talent hunt is part of the things they are looking forward to in the state and stressed the need for the establishment of a cultural center by the state government.

Expressing his delight at the turnout of the youths during the show, the leader of the state cultural Troup, Mr. Obiajulu Edochie, said they use their dances to convey messages more especially through Mkpokiti dance which the state is known for.

ABS gathered that the short listed participants will become members of Anambra state Cultural Troup to represent the state in various cultural outings both at national and international levels.

No related posts.