Former Senate President Pius Anyim on Saturday hailed the efforts of Chinedu Ogah, representing Ikwo/ Ezza South in the House of Representatives, towards reviving culture in his area.

Mr Anyim made the commendation at Amagu, Ogah’s community in the Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi, while inaugurating the community’s cultural centre initiated by its development authority and completed by Ogah.

The former Secretary to the Government of the Federation said that the centre would provide an avenue for cultural mentorship of youths of the area and also serve as a meeting point for its elders.

“The centre will enhance interaction within the community and create the much needed understanding between the young and old. The state government should be commended for placing emphasis on the project by assisting the community ‘s development authority to initiate it,” he said.

Mr Anyim described the occasion as epochal, adding that culture remained a viable tool for societal rejuvenation.

“Imbibing cultural values, especially into our young ones, will set society on the path of growth and development,” he said.

The state’s immediate past deputy governor, Dr Kelechi Igwe, in a remark, commended Ogah for the feat, saying that he had surpassed expectations as a lawmaker.

Mr Igwe, who also inaugurated a complex constructed by Ogah for elders of the community, described him as a treasure and asset to the community, Ikwo Local Government and Ebonyi State.

“The state governor could have concentrated more on human empowerment if other legislators created the same impact Ogah has, on infrastructural development,” he said.

Mr Igwe described Ogah as someone who respects elders and therefore deserves respect.

“He told me that I will inaugurate some projects for him and I replied that wherever the projects are situated, I will come. I want to also thank our leader, former Senate President, Senator Pius Anyim, for coming to our area to inaugurate projects, as he remains my friend and brother. He will always be remembered for stabilising the Senate during his reign and providing panache to the office of the SGF,” he said.

Mr Ogah, in his remark, thanked the personalities for honouring his invitation, remarking that he was happy to complete the centre on the community’s ancestral home.

“I was approached by the former leadership of the community’s development authority to complete the project after only laying its foundation despite the state government‘s contributions. I lobbied the National Assembly and the project was graciously captured in the 2024 appropriation act,” he said.

Mr Ogah initiated the projects alongside the empowerment of his constituents as part of activities to mark his 48th birthday.

(NAN)