Old Ningo, Aug 27, GNA - Nene Asafoatse Odoi III, a member of the Great Ningo Traditional Council (GNTC), has underscored the need for people in the area to co-exist peacefully.

By so doing, he said, they would, in a collective manner, initiate development programmes to accelerate the socio-economic advancement of the traditional area.

Speaking at the celebration of this year's Homowo Festival by members of the Lowerkponor Divisional Clan, at Old Ningo, Nene Odoi reminded the people that without unity of purpose, the area would continue to lag behind in development.

He said it was regrettable that over the years, chieftaincy litigations had robbed the area of development, and mentioned a poor road network, scarce water resources, lack of infrastructure to boost education, and sea erosion as some of the problems confronting the people.

For these reasons, he said, the time had come for all and sundry to forget the past, and chart a united course that would help the progress of the traditional area.

On the importance of the Homowo Festival, Nene Odoi, who is also the Asafoatse of the Divisional Clan, said it was a great occasion for the re-union of the various families; the sensitization of the Youth on the adoption of good moral practices; the discussion of development programmes in the families and the community; and the raising of funds to initiate those programmes.

Nene Asafoatse Adela V, also a member of the Traditional Council, advised the people to guard against divisive tendencies, but rather forge ahead in peace and unity to advance the course of development of the traditional area.

Mr James Tawiah Kwetey, family head of the Lowerkpono Salosisi Clan, was optimistic that the protracted chieftaincy litigation that had plagued the area, would be resolved amicably, to pave way for development and progress.

Earlier, the celebrants, had sprinkled and enjoyed the traditional "kpoikpoi" prepared from unfermented corn meal, mixed with palm oil, and served with palm nut soup and the traditional red fish called "tseley," amidst drumming and dancing.