From TCNEWS
Esteemed panelists who spoke at the inaugural Ngwa Day held at Abayi Umuocham Primary School field in Abia State, have highlighted the defining characteristics of the Ngwa people: a strong cultural identity, a respectful mode of greeting, care for parents, and an exemplary public lifestyle.
The esteemed panelists including Prof. Ogbonnaya Onuoha, former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Abia State University Uturu (ABSU), Prof. Ezenwa Ngwakwe, Dean of the Faculty of Law at ABSU, and Prof. Sam Agwu, emphasized the need for unity in Ngwaland, urging the community to abandon betrayal and sabotage, and instead embrace contentment, support, collaboration, and solidarity.
The panelists identified poor leadership and misguided advisers as significant challenges and stressed the importance of educating children about their Ngwa identity.
The Panelists also espoused and expounded the need for personal integrity, empowerment, and also underscored the need for the documentation of Ngwa history to awaken cultural consciousness.
While urging Ngwa traditional rulers to reject exploitative behaviours and to understand the true essence of their roles, the panelists also tasked Ngwa traditional scholars with drafting a code of conduct for traditional rulers, outlining their attributes and functions within the community.
As custodians of the community, traditional rulers were also encouraged by the panelists to replicate Ngwa Day in their respective areas to restore cultural heritage, identity, and recreation.
Furthermore, the Panelists made a clarion call for unity, emphasizing the Ngwa ethos of being one’s brother’s keeper (Onyeaghala nwanne ya) and the importance of mutual support and loyalty.