As Igbo Day/ cultural Festival slated for November 27th in Mali draws closer, the organisers of the epoch event has revealed that many illustrious sons, daughters and friends of Ndigbo would be honoured that day.
In a statement made available to the media, President General of Ndigbo Progressive Community in Mali, Chief Anslem Chibuogwum Nwosu, Akaekpuchionwa1 of Ntueke in ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State, said distinguished persons who have contributed meaningfully to the upliftment of Ndigbo in Mali would be recognized and given chieftaincy titles and Awards of Excellence.
According to Chief Nwosu, dignitaries expected at the event includes, Nigeria Ambassador to Mali, His Excellency, Chief Amb. Chikezie Ogbonna Nwachukwu, the traditional ruler of Bamako in Mali, Eze Ndigbo of Ghana, HRM Eze Dr. Chukwudi Ihenetu (Eze Ohazurume), Eze Ndigbo Guinea, HRH Eze Dr Kalu Tasie and Igbo leaders in other neighbouring Countries of Senegal, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast and Liberia.
On what the people should expect, The Ideato South Local Government and Imo State born Igbo leader said, adequate arrangements has been made for decent accomodations while top notch arrangements has been put in place for security of lives of the invitees.
While giving insight on the cultural Festival and Igbo Day, Chief Nwosu said the event would be the most colorful cultural Festival ever organised in Mali as it would showcased the best of Igbo culture to the whole world. “On that day, our visitors would see different kind of Igbo Masquerades like Ijele, Ekpo, Egwu Abriba and ogene music, while Igbo cultural dancers in their numbers would be on ground to entertain the guests”
On how Ndigbo has been faring with their Malian neighbors, Chief Nwosu said the relationship has been cordial. He thus urges Ndigbo in Mali to continue to be law abiding in all their pursuits.
“I am using this medium to call on Ndigbo in Mali and neighbouring countries to come out enmass on the 27th of November this year to support the event as it would prove beneficial to all.