Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has called for unity, while advocating a joint celebration of the new yam festival for Ndigbo of the South-East region.
Soludo, who made the call at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, during the maiden edition of Anambra Iri Ji (new yam) Festival, at the weekend, declared: “Igbo culture is an embodiment of who we are, as well as a celebration of our hard work.”
He argued that Igbo culture is not just about dance display, but a totality of who Ndigbo are, how they dress and talk, in terms of their core values. Soludo stressed that celebrating the Iri Ji festival in unison will show the world that the Igbo have a wonderful culture, pointing out that it was the first time every local council in the state came together to celebrate.
He assured that the festival would be mainstreamed to be celebrated in the coming years, expressing optimism that it would be better next year.
The governor used the occasion to highlight his administration’s commitment to promoting the Igbo culture and values, pointing out that he will also continue to mainstream compassion, as he promised to run an inclusive government for all.
IMAGE: Punch
