BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
In a significant show of cultural solidarity, the Obuzor of Ibuzor Kingdom, HRM Prof. Louis Nwoboshi has endorsed the South-South and Southeast Culture Heritage Tourism and Business Summit.
This summit, a groundbreaking initiative, is designed to foster unity, preserve cultural heritage, and catalyze economic growth across Nigeria’s South-South and Southeast regions.
Speaking from his palace, HRM Nwoboshi shared his deep commitment to the summit’s mission, stating, “I was honoured to serve as the royal father on the Local Organizing Committee inauguration because, like my royal counterparts, I believe deeply in this vision.”
His Royal Majesty commended the President-General of Apex Association of Anioma Indigenes Inc., Apostle Patrick Nwanze, whom he warmly referred to as “my son,” applauding his and the LOC’s dedication and creative drive in establishing this summit.
According to the Obuzor, Nwanze’s leadership has been instrumental to bringing communities together for a collective cultural and economic cause. He also appreciated the Delta State Commissioner of Culture and Tourism, Darlington Ijeh for his encouraging role in the promotion of cultural heritage.
Highlighting the summit’s goals, the monarch emphasized its significance in promoting unity and mutual understanding across diverse communities. He described the summit as a “cross-regional cultural handshake” with the power to build lasting peace and cooperation among the regions.
“This summit is both fantastic and timely. It provides an opportunity to build strong connections between communities, fostering friendship, unity, and lasting peace,” he affirmed.
HRM Nwoboshi particularly emphasized the importance of engaging the youth, viewing the summit as a platform to educate the next generation about the region’s rich traditions.
He expressed hope that younger generations will inherit and preserve traditional values, languages, and histories. “Our children, and our present generation, will learn the values of our cultural heritage and carry this knowledge forward, preserving it for future generations,” he said.
HRM Nwaboshi noted that the mission statement of the summit captures this ethos: “The South-South and Southeast Culture Heritage Tourism and Business Summit aims to promote our rich cultural values and create economic opportunities for the youth of these regions.
‘’By fostering cross-community knowledge sharing and skill empowerment, we endeavour to economically empower our young people and guide them with the moral compass of our heritage values, instilling integrity and mindfulness in their pursuits. Stressing that the summit is a landmark event for the South-South and Southeast regions, one that will unite communities and provide an invaluable platform for youth to thrive both economically and culturally’’
