The President-General of the Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), Chief Amechi Asugwuni, has called for stronger collaboration between traditional institutions and community leaders to consolidate unity, cultural identity, and peaceful coexistence in Ndokwa Nation.
Asugwuni, who made this known during an interactive session with royal fathers recently, focused on strengthening the partnership between the union and traditional rulers.
He noted that traditional rulers remain central to preserving cultural identity and promoting harmony among the various ethnic groups within Ndokwa nation.
According to him, despite historical differences in identity where some identified as Ukwuani and others as Ndoshimili, the people have now come together under the collective identity of Ndokwa.
“Today, we are united as Ndokwa ethnic nationality. Whatever we speak or wherever we come from within the nation, what matters most is that we remain one people without division,” Asugwuni said
Stressing that Ukwuani language serves as a unifying tongue across the area, the NNU President-General called for the promotion of traditional music, festivals, and cultural heritage as vital tools for sustaining unity and preserving the identity of Ndokwa people.
He encouraged stakeholders to project their culture proudly, describing it as a symbol of mutual agreement and shared history.
Drawing comparisons with other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, he observed that groups such as the Yoruba and the Ijaw maintain strong unity and solidarity wherever they reside, urging Ndokwa people to emulate such cohesion.
Asugwuni further advised politicians to accord due respect to traditional institutions, cautioning against actions that undermine the dignity of royal stools.
He urged traditional rulers to uphold the sanctity of their offices, be mindful of public engagements, and guard against actions that could diminish their revered positions.
On the issue of Isoko-speaking indigenes residing in Ndokwa communities while maintaining ties with their ancestral homes, he said they should not be marginalized, adding that anyone seeking elective office in Ndokwa,particularly seats in the State House of Assembly, must demonstrate commitment to the development of Ndokwa Nation.
In their response, the royal fathers commended the NNU leadership for convening the meeting and pledged to deliberate on the matters discussed.
They assured the President-General of their readiness to work collaboratively with his administration to advance unity, peace, and development across Ndokwa Nation.
