By Anyidi Emmanuel

Obongi

Obongi district local government leaders through cultural leaders have appealed to the local residents to embrace culture to promote peace and development. The call to embrace culture values and norms was sounded during the 3^RD annual cultural gala organized by obongi district local government support from partners a function held on last week on 9^th November 2023 at obongi district headquarters under the theme “Embracing and protecting the cultural diversity” With calls for revival of eroded cultural norms and values among youth to western culture.

The gala attracted several cultural groups both from the host and south Sudanese refugee communities who participated in the event with different cultural dances, songs and artefacts among others.

The obongi district Tourism Officer, Ms. Elizabeth Amen, said the aim of the gala is to promote and preserve cultural norms and values, foster unity between the host and refugee communities. “It is time to a wake young ones to grow and develop our cultural norms and values for better life.” MS Elizabeth Amen added


A section of the traditional dancers (Mundari) performing during the function at Obongi district headquarters on Thursday.

Mr. Mphisha Samuel the Resident District Commissioner assured the crowd that Reli has a diverse culture with several styles urging for promotion of positive culture. “As we embrace and protect cultural diversity, we need to promote positive culture to enhance peaceful coexistence at all levels for social economic development.” Said Samuel.

RT Hon. Tutu Ismail the prime minister of lubara cultural institutions the lubara Kari appreciated the district for organizing the gala. He said that this is the best practice where children can learn things for our development regardless of gender. “We need to embrace peace because traditionally, the Reli and other tribes in Obongi district are peace loving people”. Said RT Hon. Tutu Ismail.

He urges district leaders to come up with plans of establishing museum for the display of artefacts to preserve cultural heritage and promote tourism.
During the function there was exhibition traditional foods, cultural dances from refugee and host communities among others.

COVER PHOTO: Cultural leaders in obongi district celebrating cultural gala at the district headquarters By Anyidi Emmanuel