BY RITA OYIBOKA
THE Chairman of the Board of Directors, Delta Printing and Publishing Corporation (DPPC), Olorogun Ebenezer Okorodudu, has called for South-East and South-South collaboration and a business-driven strategy to combat cultural erosion and safeguard heritage.
Okorodudu made the appeal at the South-South/South-East Culture, Heritage, Tourism, and Business Summit, organised by the Apex Association of Anioma Indigenes in Asaba, Delta State.
The event gathered cultural enthusiasts, government officials, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for preserving traditional heritage.
According to him, “Culture is the compass of our identity, a legacy we must pass to future generations. Sadly, we’ve lost much of this over time. By promoting traditional arts, music, and languages, we safeguard our heritage and create avenues for economic growth. Events like this inspire innovative ways to transform cultural assets into profitable ventures.”
Okorodudu, who doubles as Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Publicity Secretary, praised the organisers, urging consistent efforts to counter the effects of globalisation on local traditions. He emphasised the need for a business-oriented approach to cultural preservation, saying, “To protect our heritage, we must develop local languages, champion traditional arts, and present our culture as a valuable economic resource.”
Meanwhile, the President General of the Apex Association of Anioma Indigenes, Apostle Patrick Nwanze, highlighted the summit’s expanded vision. “What began as the World Igbo Culture Summit has evolved to embrace the shared traditions of the South-South and South-East regions. With backing from the State Ministry of Culture and the Commissioner for Tourism, this initiative aims to rekindle youth interest in our heritage,” he said.
Nwanze added, “We envision an annual cultural celebration that instils pride and ensures seamless transmission of our values to future generations. This summit is a prelude to a larger cultural gathering planned for early next year.”
A keynote address by Barrister Cynthia Governor, representing the Special Adviser to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Hon. Juan Governor, drew attention to the intersection of climate change and cultural preservation.
“Flooding and extreme weather events threaten cultural sites, undermining our efforts. Community-driven actions, including educating youth and mobilising traditional leaders, are critical to safeguarding our heritage,” she said.
The summit featured panel discussions, traditional performances, and calls for interethnic collaboration to foster unity. Delegates were encouraged to champion local languages and cultural practices as tools for strengthening bonds between the regions.
