ANAMBRA CULTURE MINISTRY PARTNERS HERITAGE & CULTURE AFRICA TO PROMOTE IRI JI FESTIVAL

By Obianuju Umeh

The Anambra State Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism has partnered with Heritage & Culture Africa to promote the Iri Ji Grand Finale, an initiative aimed at preserving Igbo cultural heritage while using the New Yam Festival to promote tourism and community development.

The partnership was highlighted during the launch of the Iri Ji Grand Finale project in Awka, which featured panel discussions on culture, heritage and their role in development.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Udoji Amedu, urged young people in the state to embrace and promote the cultural values of Ndi Anambra.

He described Iri Ji as an important cultural tradition across Igbo communities, marking the beginning of the yam harvest season, reflecting the agricultural heritage and identity of the people.

Mr. Amedu said the initiative was in line with the Ministry’s cultural development plans, adding that arrangements were underway for a broader state wide celebration involving the 21 Local Government Areas(LGA) and communities across Anambra.

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Obosi Kingdom and Chairman of the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, described yam as a crop of great cultural and economic significance in Igbo society.

He recalled that in the past, a farmer’s wealth was often measured by the size of his yam barn, reflecting the importance attached to the crop.

Igwe Iweka urged parents to teach their children the Igbo language, encouraging its use at home, stressing that language remains an important part of preserving cultural identity and passing heritage from one generation to another.

The Convener of the Iri Ji Grand Finale and Founder of Heritage & Culture Africa said the initiative was designed to create structures that would support community development, with culture and heritage serving as a foundation.

He stressed the need to move beyond simply celebrating cultural traditions to developing and using them to create opportunities for communities.

According to him, after individual communities conclude their New Yam Festival celebrations, the grand finale will bring people together to celebrate the season collectively and showcase the richness of Igbo culture.

The project, launched in August in Awka with panel discussions, will continue with media campaigns, farmers’ engagement, cultural tours and talent hunts before culminating in a three day grand finale in November.

The organisers said the activities are expected to provide a platform for cultural expression, agricultural engagement and the promotion of Anambra’s tourism potential.

Obianuju Umeh is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State