14th July, 2019
The Congress of Igbo Leaders (CIL), UK, has called on the Igbo worldwide to be ready at all times to confront the challenges militating against civilization and their survival in the 21st century.
Mr Obi Okoli, Coordinator of the group, made the call at the 2019 Igbo Festival of Arts and Culture (IFAC), which ended on Saturday night in Edmonton, London.
Okoli who addressed the congress which had over 110 cultural groups and organisations from Nigeria and parts of the world in attendance, said the event was an opportunity to unite and appraise the capabilities of the Igbo globally.
A statement issued by Ms Asa Blessing-Chijekwu, member of the festival publicity/media team, and made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), quoted Okoli as saying that the Igbo were the “pride” of Nigeria.
He urged the Igbo to be ready at all times to confront challenges, foes of their culture and obstacles to ensure the protection of their children and unborn generations.
“As we celebrate our unique culture and tradition today, let us not forget that this places on our respective shoulders the burden of protecting our ancestral land, water, women, children, the elderly and our youths.
“In the earliest days of Igbo civilisation, our ancestors were concerned with promoting high ethical standards, values, norms that keep our societies together.
“They believed in the purity of mind, body and soul, the divinity of the gods, the sanctity of our villages, and the purity of our families; we must not abandon these unique ways.
“Today, as we battle the balance of civilisation, our culture and religion, we must be careful not to allow our people to lay in waste, dissolution and ambivalence to falsehood.
“We must do all within our powers to pass all gifts that make us special to our children and generations unborn”, the statement read.