NEW YAM FESTIVAL 2024: ANAMBRA GOVERNMENT SET TO SHOWCASE IGBO UNIQUE CULTURAL HERITAGE
By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :
Anambra State Government under the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism and the Ministry of Local Government, Communities and Chieftaincy Affairs are set to host the 2024 New Yam Festival on the 9th of November at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka beginning by 11:00 am. The event aims to showcase the unique and prestigious cultural heritage of the Igbo people to the world.
The Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji said this in an interview session in his office at Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka.
He stated that the festival is the second edition of the present administration, aiming to bring Ndi Anambra as people and family to get together and celebrate the significance of yam which is a traditional cultural event the Igbos are known for.
“As at this time, families, villages, communities and even some Anambra indigenes in the diaspora have celebrated their new yam festival and now, it is time for the state to celebrate with the Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, alongside Traditional Rulers, President Generals, Members of the State Executive Council, Legislatures, Judiciary, the Local Government and the people.”
Mr. Onyenji stated that the festival will enhance socio-economic activities, promote tourism, provide opportunities for relaxation and fun, and foster peace and unity through the numerous side attractions that will be featured.
“There will be a competition to ascertain the biggest yam cultivated in 2024 and the winner of the competition will go home with a cash reward of one million naira courtesy of Mr. Governor,” he said.
The 2024 New Yam Festival will feature the traditional cutting and eating of the roasted yam, masquerade display, local government parades, various cultural dancers and others.
* Ogwo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
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