By Chizoba Okeke
The Anambra State House of Assembly has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Entertainment to designate the National Yam House in Igboukwu as an official tourism and festival centre, a move aimed at preserving Igbo cultural heritage and strengthening tourism-based economic development in the state.
The resolution followed a motion presented during plenary on June 11 by the member representing Aguata Constituency II, Tony Muobike, stressing the need to harness the cultural and tourism potential of the National Yam Festival, which is hosted in Igboukwu.
While leading the debate, Muobike described the festival as a nationally recognized cultural event representing the Igbo people, noting that the Federal Government had designated three major cultural festivals to represent Nigeria’s three major ethnic groups: the Argungu Fishing Festival for the North, the Osun-Osogbo Festival for the West, and the Iri Ji Ndi Igbo Festival for the East.
The lawmaker recalled that the Federal Government inaugurated the National Yam House in Etiti Village, Igboukwu, on October 4, 2007, to serve as the national secretariat of the Yam Festival in Nigeria.
According to him, several cultural and tourism institutions were subsequently established in the community to support the festival, including the National Art Exhibition Centre, the Centre for African Arts and Civilization, the National Gallery of Art, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation and the Nigerian Arts and Cultural Directory Project.
Muobike also highlighted Igboukwu’s historical significance, citing the discovery of the renowned Igboukwu Bronze in 1958, describing the archaeological find, believed to date back to about 900 AD, as one of Africa’s oldest and most celebrated cultural treasures that brought global recognition to the community.
Lawmakers who contributed to the debate unanimously backed the motion, describing the National Yam House as a strategic cultural asset capable of attracting visitors, promoting Igbo traditions and stimulating economic growth.
Among those who spoke in support were the member representing Aguata Constituency I, Anayo Okpalaeke; Majority Leader, Ikenna Ofodeme; member representing Anambra East Constituency, Obi Nweke; and member representing Orumba South Constituency, Emma Nwafor.
The lawmakers argued that developing the facility into a major tourism destination would create jobs, increase internally generated revenue and position Anambra as a leading centre for cultural tourism in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Somtochukwu Udeze, commended the sponsor of the motion for championing an initiative focused on preserving and promoting the state’s cultural heritage.
He described the National Yam House as a symbol of Igbo identity deserving of government attention and support, adding that the Assembly would continue to encourage programmes that showcase the rich traditions of the people.
Udeze disclosed that he would lead members of the House on an inspection visit to the facility to assess its current condition and explore measures that could accelerate its transformation into a major tourism hub.
Following deliberations, the House unanimously adopted the motion and called on the state government to take immediate steps toward designating the National Yam House, Igboukwu, as an official tourism and festival centre.
Chizoba Okeke is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
