The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara has urged the Igbo community resident in the state to look beyond the political crisis in the state and keep faith with his administration.
Gov. Fubara gave the charge, while speaking at the 2024 Igbo Day Celebration/New Yam festival held at the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA), Port Harcourt.
Represented by the state Commissioner for Special Duties (Non-Indigenes), Chief Sam Anya, the governor praised the Igbo for holding firm to their culture, pointing out that new yam festival is one of the revered cultures of the Igbo people.
The governor also commended the Igbo for their can do spirit, a trait that has set them apart from other ethnic nationalities in the country.
Gov. Fubara said by the pre-eminent position the Igbo command in the field of commerce, they were significantly contributing to the internally generated revenue of the state.
While urging the Igbo community to continue to be their brothers keepers, the governor also enjoined them to be law -abiding as they go about their daily activities.
“As you celebrate, let me remind you of the need to be law -abiding in whatever activity you are engaged in.
“On our part, we will continue to provide the enabling environment for you to do your businesses”, Gov. Fubara assured
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He said he was still mindful of the promises he made before now and promised to physically grace next year’s Igbo Day celebration.
The Eze Ndigbo Gburugburu of Rivers and Bayelsa States, Eze Sam Nwokolo, expressed satisfaction with the turn -out of Igbo resident both in Rivers and Bayelsa States for the occasion.
He said that the celebration of the annual new yam festival/Igbo Day is a unique occasion that provides the people the opportunity to celebrate the age long tradition to mark the commencement of the eating of new yam.
Nwokolo enjoined the people to continue to love one another and live in peace with their host communities.
In an interview, the Eze Udo NdIgbo in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Eze George Chukwudubem Anuntu, advised the Igbo in the two states to remain true to their identity wherever they find themselves.
“I want to advise our people here to remain who they are; we are Igbo and we know what they know us for,” he stated.
The event featured the conferment of traditional titles on many deserving members of the Igbo community resident in both Rivers and Bayelsa State.
