A Delta State-born educationist in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, Chief Timothy Ojuyaina, has lauded Gbaramatu Kingdom as "the cornerstone of Ijaw tradition'" for the people's dedication to preserving the Ijaw traditions and cultural practices through annual festivals and other ceremonies that are aimed at fostering unity, peace and tourism.

Chief Ojuyaina, who is the proprietor of Icon United Millennium School at Orhuwhorun in the Udu area of the state, made the remark at the recently held Oyain Akarikatekabou Tunkpokubu deity festival at Okerenkoko Federated Community in the Kingdom.

According to the educationist, the Ijaw culture and tradition is an attraction and that the people should unite together to preserve them as well as hold on to them because their cultural and traditional practices are what make them unique as a people.

He said, "I recognize and appreciate our tradition.  Wherever you are and wherever you live, your culture is of great value since it is the one which makes you to be who you are.

"Under no circumstances should a person abandon his or her culture because if one abandons his or her culture, I dare to say he or she would abandon him or herself.

"It's high time for we to unite for us to protect all what we have. Gbaramatu is believed to be the cornerstone of ijaw tradition and every year thousands of people from all over the world visit to witness the beautiful Amaseimokumor historical festival and other amazing natural phenomena which Africa is blessed. There is boundless beauty in our culture and tradition," he added.

Speaking further, the educationist noted that asides making the people to trace their roots, cultures and traditions help to foster unity among the people which also promotes peaceful coexistence among them.

"Tradition are the timeless threads that weave through our fabrics, connecting us to our roots and shaping our mindsets. Tradition have been an integral part of human nation for centuries, it's an ancient civilization, crafted rituals and ceremonies; tradition cannot be ignored.

"We're the vessels in which culture will be passed from one generation to the next, they're the primary means for preserving cultural knowledge. It possesses strong unique ability to serve as great social bonds, creating a sense of unity among individuals and communities alike.

"I have come to appreciate the power of tradition as not just acts but as enrichment, a unique cultural celebration," he stressed.

The native of Kokodiagbene community also called on the people of the Kingdom to shun hypocrisy, for its leaders to not only focus on acquiring wealth but in applying such to positively impact lives, and to partake in such festivals not for the purpose of seeking power and favours but to open up their minds to be agents of positive change in the society.

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