The Minister of State for Education, Rt Hon Goodluck Nanah Opiah has sent warm felicitations to the people of Ohaji clan in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State for marking their 2022 New Yam festival and also for honouring Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Opiah who was on ground to witness the event also congratulated the state governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma for the accolades bestowed on him by the people of Ohaji at the Irji event.
The minister who is from Egbema in Ohaji/Egbema LGA was full of praises for the socio-cultural group, Ogbako Ohaji and the entire people of the area for considering it necessary to hold such important event meant to not only engage in cultural revival of the people but also an avenue to build bridges of unity among themselves.
According to the minister who was hailed and cheered by the crowd on arrival to welcome Governor Uzodimma, “the Irji festival is a vital event our people need now to rediscover our cultural heritage and showcase our rich potentials in agriculture processes. It will also afford us the chance to create enabling environment for peace and love to reign. This event has capacity to bring us together irrespective of political differences to think and act like one body for the progress of our area”
The minister noted that as the Ohaji name implies, and considering that the communities in the whole locality are renowned farmers who are the undisputed food basket of Imo State, celebrating the Irji ceremony is a right step in the right direction that would enhance more productivity from the people.
He appreciated the Ohaji for honouring the governor who he asserted has done well for not just for the Ohaji clan but also for the entire people of Ohaji/Egbema LGA.
Rt Hon who represented Ohaji/ Egbema State Constituency a record two times in the Imo State House of Assembly and also in the House of Reps, Abuja at the federal consitiueny level requested the people to always be law abiding to constituted authorities and also eschew acts not in tandem with the laws of the land.
“The administrations of our amiable President Muhamadu Buhari and dear Governor Uzodimma mean well for our people hence there is need to give them support and be law abiding. Let’s work towards ensuring peace reign in our area because good government policies and democracy dividends thrive only where there is peace and tranquility” Opiah added.
The minister used the opportunity to express gratitude to Governor for always remembering people of Ohaji/Egbema in the scheme of things in Imo State while saluting the courage of Ogbako Ohaji for the honour handed the governor at the event held in Umuokanne, the district headquarters of Ohaji.