Speaking to journalists in Owerri, Imo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Barr. Ugochi Nnanna Okoro said this is why the Governor is replicating the virtues of the fallen Igbo leader in all facets.
She said the Ikemba Ojukwu Centre was constructed and designed by the present Administration in memory of the late Ojukwu, stressing that the centre is a monumental edifice that befits him.
Recounting her achievements in office, Bar Okoro said her Ministry has achieved a lot in terms of preserving and sustaining Igbo culture and values. She said the Imo State Governor is pained by the gradual dearth of Igbo language and culture and this is why the Governor has approved the establishment of an Igbo Cultural Centre in the three geo political zones of the State.
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| Barr(Mrs) Ugochi Nnanna Okoro, Imo State Commissioner For Tourism And Culture |
According to her, similar centres have been established in New York, Maryland and Houston in the United States of America and co- coordinated by the Special Adviser on Diaspora. She explained that the aims and objectives of the centre is to revive Igbo culture and ensure that Igbos in Diaspora are not left out in the task to restore Igbo cultural values in them.
She also praised the efforts of the Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Diocese, His Lordship, Archbishop Anthony Obinna for his contribution to the sustenance of Igbo culture.
The Commissioner revealed that soon, the Ministry will hold Imo Cultural Day, an event that will restore the cultural values of the people of Imo State. She noted that the event will be in the mould of a carnival that will showcase the culture and identity of the 27 local Governments in Imo State, adding that aside the Cultural Day, plans are underway to ensure the success of the 2012 Ahaijoku lecture.
She explained that this year’s lecture will be different in style and approach as past lecturers of the event will be unveiled and showcased at the event. She said her Ministry has re-branded the Omenimo Cultural group to make it more efficient and responsive.
On the state of Imo State Arts and Culture, the Commissioner said the Amphi theatre of the centre has been upgraded as the centre also now has a big hall where artefacts are being kept and preserved.
Barr Okoro explained that as part of efforts to boost tourism in the State, five Star hotels are undergoing construction in Okigwe, Orlu and Owerri zones, stating that work has started at Princess hotel in Okigwe with 40% of the funds made available for the take off of the construction of the hotel. She said it is surprising that some Imolites misunderstand the importance and benefits of a hotel in the society.
She said the hospitality industry has not only boosted and attracedt foreign investments in the State but has rapidly contributed to its overall growth and development. Barr Okoro stated that Imo Hotels that was in bad condition in the past has been renovated and upgraded, as renovation work has been completed at the Imo Concorde Hotel, while the Imo Blue Lake of Treasure is in fine condition having hosted the ‘World Tourism Day’ event recently.
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