A former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife (Okwadike) has lauded Ogwa Community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State for abolishing harmful cultural practices.
Ezeife gave the commendation in a letter titled “In Support of Abrogation Ceremony in Ogwa Land’ addressed to Ogwa Clan and dated August 29, 2022.
He regretted that two centuries after Christianity made an inroad in Igboland, some people were still practicing certain cultures that discriminate against their fellow human beings.
Ezeife said, “It’s been nearly two centuries that Christianity debuted in Igboland with western education following closely.
“Education brought in its wake, enlightenment and knowledge beyond what was within the thought of our ancestors.
“In the last 100 years, most of the obnoxious cultural and traditional practices observed by our ancestors have been jettisoned as they have no place in modern ways of life, philosophy and thought patterns.
“It was therefore with joy I received the news from Pillars of Hope African Initiative (POHAI) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), about the abrogation of all forms of caste system in Ogwa land – Osu, Ohu, Ume and Diala scheduled to hold on Saturday 5th of November, 2022.
“I want to lend my support and endorsement of this programme. I wish it will go beyond Ogwa clan and all other clans and villages in Igbo land and I’m ready to lead the battle from the front.
“Not quite long ago, we joined the African-Americans to condemn the injustices meted out to our black brothers in US during the #Blacklivesmatter, whereas at home, injustices and discriminations are abound which amounts to hypocrisy.
“I, Chief Chukwemeka Ezeife, Okwadike is happy to be part of this wind of change in Ogwa clan, nay Igboland. I’m glad this is happening in our life time.
“Let’s all join hands and stamp out this man’s inhumanity to man in Igboland”.
A group, Ogwa Renaissance Movement is spearheading the abrogation of obnoxious cultural and traditional practices like Ohu, Ume, Diala and Osu caste system among others in the ancient community by November this year.
The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, LOC, Chief Myke Onwusiribe disclsoed that Ogwa Renaissance Movement is made up of the presidents-general, clergymen of Ogwa extraction and other Ogwa progressives.
He said the movement is committed to the abrogation of caste systems in Ogwaland.
Onwusiribe expressed profound gratitude to non-governmental organizations like Pillar of Hope African Initiative, POHAI, Global Family Foundation, GFF as well as National Human Rights Commission, NHRC for being in the forefront of the crusade.
He noted that the abrogation ceremony slated to hold on Saturday, November 5,2022 at Community Primary School, Alaeze Ogwa was made possible by the sensitization programmes of the NGOs .
The ceremony will be chaired by Chief Dan Chibuzo Iwuorie while Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State will be the special guest of honour.
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