By Onyinyechi Madubuike
The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting tourism through sustained support for indigenous festivals, aligning with Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s transformative development agenda statewide.
Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze on 26 June, joined the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Chief Udoji Okolo Amedu, during the 2026 Olili Ede Mbughu Festival in Igbo-Ukwu.
The colourful festival, organised by the Igbo-Ukwu community in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, cultural enthusiasts and government officials from across Anambra State.
The Speaker, Commissioner and members of the House of Assembly inspected the National Yam House, highlighting its historical importance as a symbol of Igbo identity and cultural pride for generations.
Government officials reiterated plans to transform the National Yam House into the official venue for Ndi Igbo New Yam Festival celebrations while developing it into a world-class tourism destination nationwide.
Commissioner Chief Udoji Okolo Amedu reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to preserving Anambra’s rich cultural heritage, promoting indigenous festivals, expanding tourism infrastructure and strengthening the state’s vibrant creative economy sustainably together.
He explained that festivals like Olili Ede Mbughu preserve history, strengthen cultural identity, encourage community participation, stimulate tourism, attract investment opportunities and contribute significantly to sustainable economic growth across Anambra.
The 2026 Olili Ede Mbughu Festival featured captivating traditional performances, colourful cultural displays and enthusiastic community participation, showcasing the rich heritage, unity, resilience and hospitality of the people of Igbo-Ukwu.
The Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism reaffirmed its resolve to preserve heritage, promote tourism, empower creative talents and position Anambra as Nigeria’s foremost destination for culture and entertainment development.
Onyinyechi is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
