Rivers
Nwuke Advocates Modernisation of Cultural Practices
The Rivers State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Prince Ogbonna Nwuke, has called for medernisation of retrogressive cultural practices to meet developmental trends in society.
Prince Nwuke, who made the call Tuesady, when the Virtuous Ladies of Etche Ethnic Nationality paid him a courtesy call in Port Harcourt, said culture should be dynamic and in line with current realities.
“I share your aspiration to stop some unhealthy traditional practices because culture should be dynamic and women should be buried in their husbands’ places when they pass on, noting that he is in total agreement with the organisation.
He also lauded the women for embarking on an awareness campaign against breast cancer and female circumcision in the area, stressing that such moves deserve the support of well meaning people.
The commissioner, however regretted that while some people are planning to develop the area, some youths are tarnishing the image of the peace loving people of Etche by engaging in kidnapping of contractors working to provide them basic amenities. He then charged the women to use their positions as mothers to preach against the ugly trend.
Prince Nwuke equally appealed to the women to persuade their children not to be used as thugs during elections or to carry arms in aid of any politician since only votes would count in the 2011 elections.
He reminded them that years back, the people of Etche were neglected but today the present government has constructed several roads, built health centres and schools, assuring that never again would Etche people be relegated.
The commissioner said the state Governor is a man who believes that money meant for the people are judiciously used to provide infrastructural facilities to serve the people, pointing out that he is happy to be part of a government that recognizes the development of the state as top priority.
Earlier, the President of the Virtuous Ladies of Etche Nationality, Deaconess Peace Achonwa, thanked Governor Chibuike Amaechi for appointing Prince Ogbonna Nwuke as a member of his cabinet, noting that they are elated to be identified with dedicated leadership of the state.
Deaconess Achonwa said the group are embarking on an awareness campaign to stop unhealthy traditional practices as well teach women how to guard against breast cancer and solicited for assistance to enable them succeed.
Meanwhile, Etche Faithful Friends led by Prince Macaulay Amadi, equally paid the commissioner a courtesy visit to appreciate and identify with him as a trustworthy person who had assisted to attract development to Etche local government area.