Anambra State Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, recently rolled out drums to celebrate this year’s new yam festival, amidst pomp and pageantry.
The event held at Faculty of Arts of the university, attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including many traditional rulers in the State, and was organized by the Ministry in partnership with the University’s Directorate of Igbo Village and Centre for African Civilization, IVACAC.
Declaring the cultural event open, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Charles Esimone, commended the partnership between the University’s Igbo Village and African Civilization, IVAC, and Anambra State Government in lifting the ceremony to higher pedestal, noting that though religious rituals associated with the ceremony have changed significantly, core values and thanksgiving to God that go with it are still valid.
Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Indigenous Artworks, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Kenneth Anierobi, who was represented at the event by the Acting Director of Arts and Culture in the Ministry, Mrs. Chioma Ifediora, expressed joy over the partnership with the institution, noting that the Willie Obiano administration has done much to promote Igbo festivals and cultures.
In his remark, the traditional ruler of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu, urged the university to continue promoting Igbo race and culture all over the world, and prayed God for more bountiful harvests, as well as success and growth of the University.
While performing the symbolic cutting of yam to flag off the festival, the traditional ruler of Agulu, Igwe Innocent Obodoakor, thanked God for making the planting season a huge success.
In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Professor Joseph Adinma, who described yam as king of all crops, said the essence of the celebration was to thank God for bountiful harvests this season, adding that the festival provided opportunity to project Igbo people and their culture to the world.
On his part, the Director of Igbo Village and Centre for African Civilization, IVACAC, Reverend Father Professor Bonachristus Umeogu, said the creation and goal of the centre was to preserve lgbo spirit, amidst the march and progress of lgbo civilization.
A Candidate in the November sixth Anambra governorship election, Dr. Obiora Okonkwo, called for sustenance of the event, which featured display of different dance and cultural groups by students.
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