Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation: Preserving the Cultural Heritage of Igbere Kingdom
Bernard Ogbe
The Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation, a non-governmental organization, stands as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for social and public restoration, illuminating the lives of people throughout Nigeria, Africa and the world. With a deep commitment to making a difference, the foundation has left indelible mark on the society.
Notably, the Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation has extended its reach to diverse facets of life, including those Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in regions where terrorists have displaced them from their ancestral homes in Northern Nigeria. The efforts of the Foundation have also spanned education, offering scholarships to Nigerians pursuing studies in medicine, both abroad and within the country’s indigenous universities, reflecting its dedication to empowering the youths and fostering human development.
Furthermore, the foundation has launched numerous schemes that have positively impacted people in various ways. Among these initiatives is providing loans to aspiring businessmen, enabling them to expand and strengthen their enterprises. This economic support has been instrumental in creating opportunities for countless individuals seeking financial independence.
However, the hallmark event of the Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation’s commitment to cultural preservation is the “Igbere Cultural Festival.” This annual celebration, initiated by the foundation, has become a significant platform for safeguarding and commemorating the rich cultural heritage of Igbere Kingdom.
The last edition of the festival in 2023 marked a historic occasion with the presence of Senator Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, the founder of the Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation. As a Senator representing Abia North and a former two-time governor of Abia State, his involvement added prestige to the event. The festival, characterized by the participation of foreign guests from countries such as the United States of America, Italy, Spain, Djibouti, South Africa, Canada, Ethiopia, and visitors from various Nigerian states, transcended mere entertainment.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the festival was its role in reconciling age-old adversaries. The cultural event fostered unity and harmony, as deep-seated enmities were set aside in the spirit of cultural celebration. The Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation’s Igbere Cultural Festival has proven to be more than just a source of entertainment; it is a catalyst for peace, love, hope, and unity.
Additionally, the festival serves as a means of rekindling the nearly forgotten cultural values of the Igbere Kingdom. It is a testament to the importance of cultural heritage in maintaining the identity and traditions of a community, while also bringing in guests from across the globe to appreciate the richness of the Igbere culture.
As we look ahead to 2024, the Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation promises an even more comprehensive and educational Igbere Cultural Festival. The festival will continue to be a powerful force for the preservation of cultural heritage, the rekindling of lost values, and the promotion of peace, love, and unity among diverse communities. The Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation, through this cultural celebration, exemplifies how a single organization can make a significant impact on both local and global scales, all while upholding and promoting the cultural essence of Igbere Kingdom.
