Oza Nogogo Elites Foundation (OEF) has held her 13th convention with a call on Oza people all over the world to promote the cultural ties of the Ozanigbigbe people.
The theme of this year’s OEF convention was: “Promoting the cultural ties of the Ozanigbigbe people”. The convention was chaired by Sir Dr Alex Ikhue- Omoregbe and the father of the day was Ogisi Etinosa Okor, the Ogisi of Oza.
In his brief remark, Sir Dr Alex Ikhue-Omoregbe stressed the need for all Oza people to promote their culture and language.
He noted that Oza people are unique; therefore, there should be a sustained effort to grow the rich cultural heritage of Oza and her people.
He thanked members of OEF for paying priority attention to the development of their place of origin, and urged them not to relent as the community is proud of them. He also thanked all Oza sons and daughters who attended the convention, declaring that Oza will grow to become the envy of other communities one day.
In his speech, the president, Oza-Nogogo Elites Foundation, Mr Victor Abulele, stated that OEF is glad having achieved numerous milestones for the community.
According to Abulele, “This year’s convention of OEF with the theme, “Promoting the cultural ties of the Ozanigbigbe people”, is a follow up to what we started last year. This year we are to consolidate on the gains made so far and also, to expand the discussions to include more views from others who are hungry for the development of Oza communities.
“We will come up with recommendations towards achieving peaceful co-existence through cultural exchange programmes and other collaborative initiatives that will enhance our economic development among our communities.”
On behalf of the group, Abulele expressed gratitude to the immediate past governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for treating the Oza community road project as a priority, and Hon. Kingsley Noye Philip, for his overwhelming achievements for Oza people.
He declared that the Oza community will remain eternally grateful to Okowa and Kingsley, as he also commended other persons who are contributing in different ways towards the advancement of Oza.
He concluded by calling for more collective efforts in the building of better Oza communities, which every Oza person will be proud of.
However, in a paper presented by one of the illustrious sons of Oza-Nogogo, Chief Bernard Iberu Oriahi, Esq., harped on the importance of not allowing Oza genealogy, beliefs, practice and significance of the Ohenship, which according to Oriahi, is the bedrock of the culture and traditions of the Ozanigbigbe people to go into extinction.
He said that this is the time for Oza communities to come together to achieve common goals, which he listed as the promotion of Oza language, cultural practice (festivals), traditions, social life and educational advancements.
“It’s the belief that a more pragmatic approach to an enduring footprint will help us to forestall our past. We need to have a clear cut road map to those events that will make us remember our common origin,” Chief Oriahi stated.
Meanwhile, the first Vice President, OEF, Mr Uche Ebu, in an interview, said that the convention was a success as it really reawakened the minds of the Oza people on the importance of promoting Oza culture, language and tradition. While thanking all Oza people who were part of the convention, he called on all to join efforts at moving Oza communities forward.
The convention was attended by well-meaning Oza people from different parts of Nigeria.
