By Florence Kekong Lagos
As the new yam festivities begin to round up in most communities of Cross River State for the year ending 2024, a Financial/Management Consultant, Amb. Wilfred Bonse, has called for the promotion of local history and Climate-friendly heritage, stating that it is key to sustainable development.
Bonse who made the call at a- thank- you dinner organised in his honour by Central Cross River Women Partnership Advancement, in Lagos, WOPAL,
noted that local history is critical if the diverse ethnic groups of Cross River must sustainably witness the unity and diversity of ethnic groups in the state.
In his opinion, the annual celebration of new yams festivities across communities of Northern and Central Cross River, should be widely encouraged in all its ramifications because this form of celebration is a unique traditional culture that creates great sense of belonging and identity among people, particularly, those in the diaspora.
He therefore, called on the people to emulate the good steps being taken by WOPAL in changing the narratives, so that more people would witness the beauty of how traditional practices connect people with their cultural heritage and ancestors, thus, helping them to feel deeply rooted in their communities.
” I am humbled by the show of respect and love accorded me by my sisters and can not thank them enough for finding me worthy of their esteemed respect,” he said.
Adding his voice to the concerns about the devastating effects of Climate Change, Bonse advised that environmental education should not be ignored at this time, stating that traditional festivities offer the best occasion to drive the vehicles bearing Climate-Smart messages and strategies.”
” I am of the opinion that Climate-Smart messages should be infused into the- all- important celebrations as they would create great impact that encourage change in attitudes.”
Earlier,the Coordinator of WOPAL, Dr. Mbue Abang Bebia, thanked Amb. Bonse for honouring their invitation, even at short notice, noting that, there is still hope for enhancing livelihoods in the communities, as working with a Philanthropist like him has made it possible for the Organisation to reach out to the Most Vulnerable people in the targeted communities where the Organisation’s program-activities are carried out.
“Through the support of Humanitarians like you, the impact of our programmes is being felt in our rural communities and we believe that as we continue to identify with you , Cross River shall witness resilient communities in no distant future, God willing”, she said.
Reiterating that WOPAL will continue to lead more people in the campaign against Climate crisis, Bebia called on other stakeholders in the communities to join in the empowerment of people living in the hearts of the communities in the State, particularly, those in the forests region, to take interest in the Organisation’s laudable programmes, to fight Climate, exacerbating poverty in both urban and rural areas.
The Organisation’s Communications Officer, Monica Obi, had thanked all the good people putting fervent efforts in the service to Humanity, charging them to take a cue from Amb. Bonse and begin to urgently ignite strong interests for more people to take action in environment protection and cultural heritage promotion.
