Ambassador advocates cultural synergy between Germany, Edo community

The ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Nigeria, Herbert Ingo, has advocated a synergy between his country and Ukhiri community in Edo State with regards to the promotion of culture and tradition.

Ambassador Ingo said this recently when he visited HRH  Godwin Aigbe, the Enogie of Ukhiri Community in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

The ambassador, who was  on a working visit to Nigeria, said he was highly impressed by the ways of Benin people, especially their cultural values, promising to create time to come and witness the popular Igue festival which is held annually in Benin Kingdom.

Speaking further, the ambassador said his country was ready to assist the community in setting up cottage industries to reduce urban-rural migration and curb the mass movement of illegal immigrants, especially youths from Edo South Senatorial District, who go through the Mediterranean Sea and the desert in their bid to gain entry into Europe.

Earlier in his welcome speech, the Enogie applauded the ambassador, describing his  visit as timely and unique being the first time an ambassador would visit his community.

He observed that the ambassador came to propagate peace and culture, stressing that culture is the basis of his office.

He said: “A lot of things have been written on the pages of newspapers, broadcast on radio and television but today, you have come to see for yourself.  I am hereby appealing to your country to come and invest in this community. We have vast land available for use. All we have here are health facilities, functioning boreholes, an abbatoir and a skill acquisition centre.

“My community is a peaceful one. I am a trained lawyer and I served in the Nigerian Police Force for35 years. I am also a United Nations Peace Ambassador.”