THE Imbonggu cultural show which is set for September 15, 16 and 17 will be included in the annual calendar of the National Cultural Commission starting next year.
The National Cultural Commission Chief Executive Officer Steven Kilanda revealed this during the launch of the Imbonggu cultural show in Port Moresby.
Mr. Kilanda said NCC is happy to partner with the Imbonggu District Development Authority (IDDA) to host the show because culture is our identity and pride.
“We have a very unique and powerful culture; hence we will never find a culture like ours in any other parts of this world.”
“We got a unique, vibrant and very colourful culture so NCC is working to preserve, develop and safeguard this culture.”
Minister for Inter-Government Relations and MP for Imbonggu Pila Niningi who witnessed the launch said it has been their dream to make this, a yearly event. He was also presented with a certificate of recognition and a K10,000 cheque from NCC.
Minister Niningi said our culture is important but is dying, however, if we maintain it and practise it then it passes on.
“Culture was passed on a long way so teach a young person culture and ask him to partake in it and if you don’t teach him then it is good as gone,” said Minister Niningi.
He also commended Mr. Kilanda and his team for a tremendous job regardless of the limited funding they received and the poor recognition from the national government.
He was pleased as the certificate signified a commitment bestowed on the IDDA to carry on the cultural event even after his term was over.
Minister Niningi said this was the second show after last year’s show which did not eventuate due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year’s event will coincide with grand opening of the newly built District Community Development Centre in Walume Station which Prime Minister James Marape is expected to officiate the program on September 17.
Minister Niningi also made a call to people in the province and also across the country to visit Imbonggu and witness the significant cultures of the Southern Highlands province.