IMO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TOURISM, CULTURE AND CREATIVE ARTS INAUGURATED

By : Samuelson Citizen Ikenna

The Imo State House Of Assembly Committee On Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts was on Monday 4, December 2023 inaugurated by its Chairman and Member Representing Onuimo State Constituency, Hon Chief James Uba Esile ( Fresh Air ).

In his inaugural speech, Hon Chief James Uba Esile assured that the Committee would in no small measure assist the Purpose-Driven leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma get to the promised land, through ” Proactive Initiatives ” that would further boost the revenue base of the state.

Members of the Committee include, Hon Ichie Vitalis Ndubuisi Azodo , who is also the Member Representing Ideato South State Constituency and Mrs Anne-Martins Ezirim , who is the Committee Clerk on Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.

The inauguration equally had Two Prominent Appointees of the Shared Prosperity Government of the 3-R Administration of His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma as Special Invitees. They are ; 1. Hon Nze Ray Emeana , who is the Director General Of AHIAJOKU CENTRE.

And 2. Hon Chief Paddy Obinna, who is the Special Adviser On Arts And Culture to the Executive Governor of Imo State.

BELOW IS THE INAUGURAL SPEECH OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, HON CHIEF JAMES UBA ESILE

Distinguished Honourable Colleagues, I am pleased and delighted to be in your midst, and more importantly, humbled to address you today as the Chairman of House Committee on Culture, Tourism and Creative Arts, Imo State House Of Assembly.

Recall that few days ago, precisely on the 16th of November 2023, the Speaker of Imo State House Of Assembly, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe, unveiled the Standing Committees of the 10th House and their Chairmen. Graciously, Committee on Culture, Tourism and Creative Arts happens to be one. My humble and jovial self, named as the chairman, with you my distinguished honourable colleagues, as members. I want to assure you that we will not disappoint or fail in this assignment. This Committee will in no small measure assist the purpose-driven leadership of His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma get to the promised land, through “Proactive Initiatives” that will further boost the revenue base of the state.

However, let me inform us that setting up these committees constitutionally empowers the Imo State House Of Assembly, which is the Legislative Arm Of Government , to carry out oversight functions and activities on the Programmes, Budget Allocation, Spending, Implementations and other activities of the Executive Arm and its Agencies, so as to ensure that the 3-R Administration of His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma continues to excel, by bringing more smiles and dividends of democracy to the people of Imo State.

To this end therefore, the Committee On Culture, Tourism and Creative Arts will play an unprecedented role in the development of the state.

HOW ARE WE GOING TO ACHIEVE THESE LOFTY OBJECTIVES?

1. We are going to ensure that adequate funding is allocated (Budgetary Allocation) for the rapid development of the Culture, Tourism and Creative Arts sector. This will be a veritable boost that will enhance and
   ensure that the cultural heritage and tourism potential in the State are harnessed and made accessible to all Imo citizens.
2. The Committee will oversee (oversight function) the Ministry of Culture, Tourism And Creative Arts, including all the Agencies under the Ministry.
3. Reactivating the moribund AHIAJOKU LECTURE SERIES , by interfacing with the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Creative Arts will be part of our assignment. Ahiajoku Lecture Series is an annual Igbo colloquium where various aspects of Igbo culture are intellectually and ingeniously synthesized. It is a crucible for the cerebral articulation of points of Igbo culture and how these relate to human development. Ahiajoku was Instituted in 1979 by the first Executive Governor of Imo State, Dee Sam Mbakwe and subsequently organized by succeeding administration in the state, at a time. It created a platform for eminent Igbo scholars to research on fundamental aspects of Igbo culture and relate same to contemporary development. Unfortunately, for over 12 years, this commendable lecture series was abandoned. We are bringing it back.
4. The Committee will develop a thought out and comprehensive State Culture, Tourism and Creative Arts policy, as well as encouraging government to invest in capacity building for operators, which will thereafter bring more revenue into the system.
5. We will also support the development of Innovative Culture, Tourism Services and Creative Art, thereby boosting the State economy.
6. Encouraging Creative Arts in the State Government owned Secondary School, through Sponsorship of Creative Arts Competition and workshops.
7. And so on and so forth.

Having stated our mission, let me proudly inform us that we are going to embark on working visit-oversight on the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Creative Arts, and all the Agencies under the Committee, before we invite them, to engage them in their Budget defence, before the 2024 Budget is presented by His Excellency, our visionary governor.

Through these collective contributions by us, Imo will be a better place for us.

Thanks and God Bless.