BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
With the aim to promote cultural connectivity and economy growth in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8, the Anioma people are set to host a joint Cultural Summit of South-South and South- East in Delta State.
This was revealed by the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Apst. Patrick Nwanze, during a press conference held on Thursday in Asaba, Delta State.
According to him, the event which is a collaborative effort by the Apex Association of Anioma Indigenes Incorporated and Akurulo Media Organization, aims to promote cultural connectivity and foster business benefits through mutual collaboration.”
Apst. Nwanze announced that the summit would take place on November 29 and 30, 2024, in Asaba, Delta State, and It aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8, which contributes to the economic empowerment of the regions through cultural and heritage tourism, and economic growth.
In his remarks, Chief Chuks Ibegbu, CEO of Akurulo Media International, echoed this sentiment, describing the summit as a “clarion call for unity, mutual understanding, collective growth, and the pursuit of a prosperous future.” He further stated, “This platform allows us, as custodians of history and bearers of tomorrow’s hopes, to reflect on our past, embrace the present, and reshape the future for collective prosperity.”
Chief Ibegbu stressed the importance of drawing global attention, particularly from the black diaspora and the people of the South-South and South-East regions, to the unique cultural, linguistic, and heritage values of these regions. He explained, “We aim to passionately showcase the vast untapped economic potential in the tourism sector of these regions and promote the core business values that define us as a people.”
He also noted the summit’s commitment to honouring outstanding citizens whose achievements have positively impacted their communities, while empowering communities economically by harnessing the inherent value of culture, heritage, and tourism. “The combination of promoting business values with celebrating our cultural diversity presents a unique opportunity to stimulate economic growth within the South-South and South-East regions of Nigeria,” he said.
