Igbo Traditional Rulers Take 2016 ‘Iri Ji Ndi Igbo’ To NTDC

Arrangements are in top gear for the celebration of the 2016 Iri Ji Ndi Igbo, National New Yam Festival, scheduled to hold from 23 to 27 August.
In one of the activities lined up to herald the event, traditional rulers from Igbo speaking states during a courtesy call on the Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs. Sally Mbanefo have commended the numerous achievements achieved since her appointment.
HRH Igwe (Dr.) C.N, Nwajagu, who led the delegation of traditional rulers on a courtesy visit to  the NTDC office to seek collaboration regarding the forth coming festival, expressed appreciation to President Muhammad Buhari for keeping their daughter, Sally Mbanefo, as the NTDC boss
“We sincerely appreciate President Muhammad Buhari for keeping our daughter, Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo, whose contributions to the development and promotion of tourism in Nigeria are immense.
“Therefore, like the prophet from the South and as the custodian of the cultures of the Igbo people of Nigeria, we hereby make a declaration that the only remedy for the ills of the country lies mainly in this parastatal.
“Not funding it well means joking with the growth and unity of the country for this parastatal holds our peace, stability and base as a nation,” he said.
Mbanefo in her response underscored domestic tourism as a viable tool to unify Nigerians, create jobs in the local communities and reduce criminality in the country.
The NTDC boss while commending the anti-corruption crusade of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration said the crusade will reduce criminality and encourage foreign investments in the country, adding that “it will boost the nation’s economy and create wealth for Nigerians.”
Speaking further, Dr. Mbanefo added that the human material resources that are found in Igboland are enough to make Nigerian tourism Africa’s destination hub.
The NTDC DG, however, appealed to the Igbos to unite and give Igbo-Ukwu (New Yam) Festival a global outlook like the Sango Festival, which according to her has been exported to over 40 countries.