BY VICTOR NWEGEDE
The apex socio-cultural organisation of Izhi Nation known as Oha Izhi Nnodo Ekumaenyi in Ebonyi State has urged its people across the globe to rejuvenate passion towards their cultural practice on farming and other agricultural activities which they were known for, to enhance their living standard anywhere in the world.
The organisation, through its President General, HRH Eze S.N Oketa, the Onuoha III of Nkaleke Echera Autonomous Community made this call, Saturday during the Oha Izhi Sensitization and Advocacy Visit to the people of Agalegu Ishieke Community in Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Eze Oketa who noted that the call would be of great advantage to the committed farmers in the clan said, "even though things are not going well for farmers, should not relent in promoting the culture of farming and other agricultural activities to fight food insecurity and joblessness in their land and beyond."
He further advised the people not to underplay farming and other agricultural practices as the farming season draws nearer, urging the government in power to introduce modernised agriculture to encourage those who have passion in the occupation, especially the youths to fully declare interest in the trade to boost the economy and reduce the rate of unemployment, instead of allowing the young ones to involve themselves in criminal activities, for having no job doing.
Further, the Vice President of the organisation, Chief Boniface Ezzaegu, represented by the Assistant Secretary of the body, Prince Andrew Ekpe Nwiga noted that the Izhi people have chosen to promote their hard-earned culture and traditions which promote love, peace, unity and progress among themselves.
He said the culture of aggressive agricultural practices especially crops and livestock farming to ensure food sufficiency, a robust economy and a better living of the people anywhere they found themselves should not be underestimated and equally urged the government in power to motivate them through modernisation of agriculture.
On his part, the Secretary-General of the organisation, Dr John Nkwuda said that the elders and stakeholders of the Izhi clan have carefully welded their proposals to set a standard in the state and anywhere dwelled by its people to stimulate the way of their lives according to the constitution of Oha Izhi Nnodo.
He urged every Izhi son and daughter to endeavour to have the Constitution of the land for proper direction on its do(s) and don't(s) nowadays.
In addition, the Publicity of Oha Izhi Nnodo, Apostle Benjamin Obeji who went in his memory lane to unmask the significance of farming among other cultures, advocated for peace and unity among Izhi people and their neighbourhoods.
According to Apostle Obeji, "several raw materials, whether it’s yam, cassava, rice, palm oil, palm kernels, wood, sugar, cotton, and many others come from agriculture. These materials are essential to major industries in ways many people aren’t even aware of, such as the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, diesel fuel, plastic, and more. Raw materials are so important in production that the economic health of a country strongly depends on how many raw materials it possesses, so, in Izhi we shouldn't take farming and other agricultural practices for granted."
On her part, Chief Mrs Charity Ikebe preached against electoral violence and other acts, which in her words, have been paving ways for political thuggery, encouragement of some social vices including cultism, intake of hard drugs, female genital mutilation/cutting, negligence to parental and guardian coaches, among other unlawful acts, degenerating chaos in the society today.
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In the same vein, the Agalegu Ishieke community people who spoke during the event, including the Reagent of the Community - Prince Paul Ajibo, the Town Union President - Prince Kenneth Ochigbo, other stakeholders from the community - Prince Nicodemus Ochigbo, Prince Kenneth Nwiboko Obodo, Prof Paul Nwobashi, Mrs Elizabeth Ozibo, and numerous others applauded the Oha Izhi Nnodo leadership, especially in its effort in promoting a culture of oneness, peace and productivity among them, especially now selfish politicians have allegedly chosen to rob off the clan with the alleged 'war of division,' branded as 'a kindred dichotomy," to mainstreaming many opportunities before them.
