Woman Subjects Her 12-Year-Old Stepdaughter To H0rrific Ab*Se With Kn!Fe, Cutlass And Fire For Eating Food Without Her Permission (Photos)

By Franz Ndulue/Kasie Abone                

          

The Igbo race in the South-Eastern geographical zone of Nigeria has been described as one of the most enterprising and populous peoples in Africa, boasting a sizable percentage of the world's population. 

Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, an internationally acclaimed physician and founder of the famous Anambra State Association in the United States of America (ASA-USA), conveyed this in a keynote lecture themed ''Culture: Catalyst for Igbo Unity, Collective Advancement, and Global Resurgence'' during the NUJ 2023 Cultural Festival. The event was organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, in collaboration with Kasie Communications, a PR and Event company, at the Godwin Ezeemo International Press Centre, Awka.

             

Dr. Anakwenze, the traditional Prime Minister of Abagana, headquarters of Njikoka Local Government Area of the state, asserted that Igbos originated from Israel with Gad as their progenitor, the father of Eri. They were forced into migration to Europe and other continents across the globe through slavery imposed by the ancient colonial masters.

Onowu Anakwenze expatiated that owing to the brilliance, bravery, indefatigability, perseverance, and inventive nature of the Igbo race, the invading Portuguese and British colonialists took special interest in the people during the slave trade era. He also posited that Igbos have identical DNA with the Jews of Israel and dominate a large percentage of the colored or black race in the USA, Canada, the Caribbean, and other continents worldwide.                  

Dwelling extensively on the subject matter, the medical guru, who is also the current Chairman of the Board of Presidents of the Council of Igbo States in the Americas (CISA), an umbrella body of Igbo states in America, said most outstanding professional experts in those parts of the world had their roots in Igboland. He pointed out that several DNA tests and researches conducted over the years attested to the reality of their linkage to the Igbo race.

High Chief Anakwenze further noted that the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Ndigbo enabled them to survive the three years of hostilities during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970). He highlighted their massive postwar attainments in various spheres of human endeavor and unquantifiable contributions to the commercial, educational, and industrial advancement of the country.

         

The guest lecturer recalled that late Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Nnamdi Azikiwe (Owelle of Onitsha) was at the forefront of the political liberation of the African continent from colonialism. He also acknowledged that most prominent authors from the country hailed from Igboland, including late Flora Nwapa, Professor Chinua Achebe, Cyprian Ekwensi, Mokwugo Okoye, and the rave of the moment in literature, Ngozi Chimamanda Adichie, among others.

To buttress his points, Onowu Anakwenze disclosed that most shakers and movers of society in the areas of science and technology in Africa are Igbos with huge investments across the nation and the Diaspora. This is in addition to their noticeable impacts in the creative industry, music, and sports.

            

The renowned medical expert also fielded questions from journalists and some guests on the occasion, emphasizing that he initiated the mobilization and unification of Igbo people in the universe through the formation of ASA-USA. This initiative was later replicated in other continents throughout the globe for the sustained promotion of Igbo language, culture, and tradition, thereby showcasing the rich value system and enviable historical heritage of the people.

According to Onowu Anakwenze, he was inspired to establish ASA-USA and ASA-Worldwide to galvanize the unity, peace, welfare, brotherhood, teamwork, and think-home ideology amongst Ndigbo in the Diaspora. He proudly asserted that these lofty objectives were highly realistically lucrative, considering the influx of foreign direct investments into the state by Diaspora Ndi Igbo.

            

In his remark, the Commissioner for Culture and Entertainment, Comrade Don Onyenji, reassured the commitment of Governor Soludo’s administration towards promoting Igbo tradition and culture. Onyenji, who represented the state governor at the occasion, commended the state NUJ and Kasie Communications for organizing the event to reawaken the consciousness of Ndigbo towards upholding and reviving their rich culture and traditions which he described as the best across the globe.

“The state government is committed to promoting and showcasing Igbo tradition and culture to the world through the Ministry of Culture and Entertainment,” he said.

Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Pharm Victor Okoye, in his opening remarks, lauded the initiative of NUJ Anambra State Council and Kasie Communications to package the cultural fiesta. He urged Ndi IIgbo to embrace and harmonize their culture as a way of promoting the unity, welfare, and progress of the people.

            

In their contributions, the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Odogwu Emeka Odogwu (PhD), noted that the event was meant to reawaken the consciousness of Ndi Igbo to support the fight for improved culture and tradition of Igbo people, while Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna emphasized that, ‘’Whenever you celebrate culture, wherever you do it, it's a unifying force and reminds you of who you are. Once you are doing the authentic Igbo culture, no matter where you live.’’

In her welcome address, Chairman of the organizing Committee, Kasie Abone, stated that Igbos are endowed with rich culture and are acclaimed as hardworking, very enterprising, and enjoy the fruits of their labor. They are not known for begging because Igbo males are known to take full responsibility for their families. She regretted that people who do not understand the lifestyle of an average Igbo man misconstrue these virtues as pride or arrogance.

             

Kasie Abone, who is also the CEO of Kasie Communications, advised Igbo youths to go back to their age-old values of hard work, integrity, honesty, empathy, and righteousness, the hallmark of their forebears. She urged them to refrain from criminal acts and the get-rich-quick syndrome, which has bedeviled today's youths.

Major highlights of the event, presided over by Pharm. Victor Okoye as the chairman of the occasion, included the presentation of “The Watch Dog” magazine’s latest edition, cutting of the anniversary cake by Igwe Innocent Elochukwu Obodoakor of Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area, and Igwe Patrick Mbamalu Okeke of Abagana in Njikoka Local Government Area in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary and 25th years on the throne, respectively.

                     

Masquerade troupes from Umuawulu, Agulu, and Abagana thrilled the galaxy audience, along with Igwe P. M. Okeke (Igwe Abagana), Igwe I. E. Obodoakor (Igwe III of Agulu), Igwe Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu, and Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna, among top dignitaries present at the colourful event.