By Anayo Okoli, Umuahia
GOVERNORS of the South East states have been called upon to revive the dying Igbo culture so as to re-awaken the spirit of collectivism, self-help and development of Ndigbo.

Mr. Ogbonnaya Ogwo, the Chairman, Planning Committee of the Igbo Uturu Cultural Carnival (IUCC), an annual cultural festival, who made the call weekend in Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, expressed sadness that the “can-do spirit” of Ndigbo has waned and required a conscious effort to resuscitate the rich cultures abound in the Igbo nation.

Ogwo said the Uturu carnival would provide a veritable platform for achieving the goal of restoring the cultural values and re-orientation of Ndigbo.

Speaking to journalists on plans for this year’s Uturu Cultural carnival which holds in Uturu between December 27, 2010 and January 1, 2011, Ogwo appealed to South East governments and their agencies, as well as corporate bodies, diplomatic corps and individuals to key into the Uturu carnival and partner with the initiator and sponsor of the carnival, Chief Greg Ibe to “help, sustain, develop, project and promote it” and raise it world standard.

According to Ogwo, the carnival which provides an avenue for the celebration of Igbo culture and has the potentials of reviving and promoting celebration of Igbo culture has been solely sponsored by Ibe for the past two years, and urged the governors to develop interest on the carnival.

Besides fostering unity among Ndigbo, Ogwo said the carnival would also provide an opportunity for the people to relax at the end of the year and usher in the New Year in a relaxed mood.