By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Thursday, underscored the importance of cultural festivals, even as he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the state.
Governor Oborevwori, who spoke when he played host to the President and leadership of the Organization for the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC), who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Asaba, said cultural festivals remained a veritable platform to preserve and promote the cultural identity of any tribe.
The Governor said that he was impressed with the antecedents of OFAAC in the promotion of Anioma cultural heritage for over two decades and pledged his administration’s support for the group and others that were deeply involved in the advancement of peace and development.
He thanked the people of Delta North for their support for his emergence as Governor of the state and restated his commitment to the socio-economic and infrastructural development of the Delta North senatorial district and other parts of the state.
Oborevwori said he was happy to have sons and daughters of Anioma extraction in his cabinet and charged the people not to relent in championing anything that would accelerate the sustainable all -round development of the state.
He affirmed that OFAAC had remained a vehicle of unity among different ethnic nationalities in the state and urged other groups to emulate their vision.
“I commend OFAAC’s tirelessness, dedication to preserving Anioma culture, heritage and identity. Your efforts are crucial in promoting our rich traditions and values.
“As a government, we reaffirm our commitment in preserving cultural heritage across the state, support initiatives that promote festivals, language and recognizing their importance in shaping our identity.
“Under the M.O.R.E Agenda, we have implemented key projects across the Anioma nation and generally, across the state.
“And in the last election, the Anioma people supported me immensely. I won in the nine local government areas of Anioma nation.
“I thank the Anioma nation for their show of love. I commend OFAAC for the way you promote unity and harmony in Delta State. This is what we need as a government.
“I love the fact that OFAAC invites people from other ethnic groups whenever they are celebrating.
“Your sustenance of this group for the past two decades is worthy of commendation. You have given this administration your support and we will, in turn, support you as a government. We will continue to work together for the unity of Delta State,” the Governor said.
Earlier, the President of OFAAC, Arc. Kester Ifeadi, said the visit was to intimate the Governor about the forthcoming cultural fiesta of the body slated for Easter Monday.
Arc. Ifeadi said the cardinal goal of the body was to promote Anioma cultural heritage and also be a vehicle of unity among different ethnic groups across the state.
While describing, Governor Oborevwori as a detribalized leader, the OFAAC President commended him for the all- round development in the three senatorial districts culminating in different awards.
He, therefore, assured Governor Oborevwori of the sustained support of the Anioma people in advancing his MORE Agenda for the collective good of Deltans and other residents of the state.