Nigerian Newsday

The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Ambassador Frank Nchita Ogbuewu has assured the Igbo-Ukwu community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State that their cultural sites would be given the necessary attention to enable them attain international standards and be recognised by the World Tourism Organisation.

The minister stated this last week when he received His Royal Highness (HRH), Igwe Dr. Martin N. Ezeh, IDU II of Igbo-Ukwu and members of Mbidoigbo (Origin of Igbo) Organisation who paid him a courtesy call in his office in Abuja.

Ambassador Ogbuewu said that the federal government has remained committed in ensuring that the existing cultural sites all over the country were developed.

He also said that government was making efforts to ensure that all tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the country were resuscitated.

He assured his audience that the federal government would provide facilities in their sites to facilitate the attraction of tourists to them. Continuing, the minister assured them that he was going to work together with them to reduce the adulteration of Igbo language.

The minister who expressed fear that the Igbo language was being influenced by foreign languages, emphasised the need for Igbos to speak their language especially when they are together.

He promised to visit Igbo-Ukwu community to identify all the artifacts that could bring Igbo-Ukwu to limelight.

The leader of the delegation, HRH, Igwe Dr. Martin N. Ezeh, IDU II of Igbo-Ukwu had earlier congratulated the minister for his efforts at resuscitating the tourism industry saying "these efforts demonstrate the federal government's commitment to diversifying our mono economy from oil to other sectors".

He told the minister that Igbo-Ukwu and its neighbouring towns have such great tourism potentials that if properly harnessed could boost the tourism sector and improve Nigerian economy.

He mentioned their ancient traditional dances, attires, masquerades, shrines, towers and structures as some of their rich cultural traits that could attract tourists if properly harnessed.

The IDU II of Igbo-Ukwu however requested the government to provide them with good road networks, recreational centres, good pipe borne water, electricity supply and also help them to rehabilitate their historic sites.