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 .- Calls For Reconsideration Of Ban On Water Sacrifices

 By Rose Oranye and Lilian Ezejiegu

The Nzuko Odinani Welfare Association (NOWA), an umbrella body for all ọdịnanị practitioners in Anambra State has assured the state government that it will leave no stone unturned in helping to checkmate and flush out bad eggs among traditional religion/medicine practitioners in the state.

Giving the assurance during a press briefing at Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, on Thursday, March 20, 2024, the NOWA President General, Nze Ezeafor Onyebuchi Chiukwuemeka Izuegbu and Secretary, General, Nze Dike Ugbaja, in their separate speeches, commended Governor Soludo's good works, especially in ensuring that the state is safe, but called for reconsideration of the ban on water sacrifices.

According to them, "water sacrifice is a key aspect of Igbo spiritual practices. It is very important for us to make sacrifices. It has been in vogue since our forefathers. Without these sacrifices, we can't perform.

"We know that alternative solutions can be explored by allocating a portion of some streams for the purpose of sacrifice, while at the same time, making provisions to clean up that portion of the river after the exercise.

"The association is pleading with our Governor to assist us so as to continue with what is significant to us. Water is life. If the state government stops this from us, you have taken the life out of us," they pleaded.

They further urged the government to immediately intervene in the ongoing intimidation of Ndi Ọdịnanị by security operatives and Presidents-General of communities, even as they promised to work with the State Government to maintain a clean and healthy environment so that Anambra will be better.

The Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Comrade Don Onyenji, appreciated the association for expressing their support to the decision of the government, reaffirming that Governor Soludo didn't ban traditional religious practices.

"All he is saying is to have the waters clean and healthy for Ndi Anambra and tourists who visit the state. Traditional religion should be practiced in Anambra State in a good way," he said.