A socio-cultural group, Ibaa Central Bank Age Grade of Mgbuosimi-Ibaa has initiated the Executive Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Hon (Dr) Chidi Lloyd into its fold with a pledge to give him needed support as he pilots the ship of the Council.
Speaking while performing the initiation ceremony over the weekend, the State Commissioner for Housing, Elder Chinedu Tasie said that initiating Dr. Lloyd into the age grade has no political coloration and undertone, adding that with this initiation, Dr. Lloyd is now at liberty to participate in all activities of Ibaa people.
He added that the Emolga Council Chairman, by his membership of the group now had unfettered access to farmlands and several other opportunities in Ibaa Town.
Also speaking at the occasion, an eminent member of the community, Engr. Amakiri Ndubuisi said that one of the benefits of initiating a man into the age grade is that it makes or keeps him fit and eligible to represent the community at any level.
According to Amakiri, “After initiating a man into the age grade, the community can now find him worthy to be called our son and our ambassador, capable of representing the community anywhere in the world. In fact, with this initiation, it means that there are things the initiate can no longer indulge in. They include all activities abominable to our culture and tradition, including fighting in public”.
He stated that the initiation ceremony is meant for people between the ages of 53 and 62, pointing out that there is nothing fetish about it.
Ndubuisi who is the CEO of Grand Services Ltd, Port Harcourt warned the political class in the country against using the sons of Ibaa Town for their political goals and ambition. His words, “Let them not bring their political intrigues and gimmicks to Ibaa to kill anybody. This is because, Ibaa people are now united and speaking with one voice”.
He hinted that the initiation ceremonies would last for 6 weeks across all the villages of Ibaa Town, adding that the climax will be on the 27th of November, 2021.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the planning committee, Sir Dr. Sam Obisiki said that the age grade initiation in Ibaa is performed every seven years.
He explained that an individual can only be mature when one has performed and celebrated the age grade ceremony.
