'Brighter future awaits Nigerians'

‘There’s hope of brighter future’

…Fiesta worthwhile, despite crises

The traditional ruler of Igbo Ukwu in Aguata Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State, HRH Igwe Martin Nwafor Ezeh, has said a brighter future awaits Nigerians soon, given promises by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to arrest the lingering power crisis in the country, once and for all.

Pic 1. PHOTO: MAURICE ARCHIBONG

In his welcome address to participants in this year’s Iwa ji ndi Igbo aka National New Yam Festival, which ran from August 31 to September 3; Igwe Ezeh, also known by the title Idu II, lamented that rampaging corruption across the land has spawned all kinds of vices, including kidnapping. In spite of these, the festival was nonetheless worth celebrating, he averred.

The monarch, who is also Chairman of Mbido Igbo Association, organizers of the fiesta; further submitted that this type of observance called for sober reflection, especially at this trying period for Nigerians. The king, however, added: “The importance of a people’s tradition and culture could never be over-emphasized because it is everything that we are”. Therefore, the festival, Idu II reckoned; ought to be celebrated because “It is a period of joy, peace and happiness.”

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According to this traditional ruler, many long-suffering Nigerian youth will soon enjoy a new lease of life; “because President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has promised to fix power.” Hear the monarch: “This will definitely create the much-needed employment for our teeming youth”. This crowned head subsequently went on to urge every Nigerian to contribute his/her quota in complementing President Jonathan’s efforts, by saying: “We call on every Igbo person, who has discovered any thing to use this period to showcase them because we are people endowed with talent. Let us use our discoveries to help fix Nigeria because this is our country”.

Igwe of Igbo Ukwu also enjoined Nigerians to support incumbent Tourism, Culture and National Orientation Minister, Chief Edem Duke. He called on Chief Duke “to bring your experience to bear on Iwa ji ndi Igbo to make it one of the best festivals in the country”.

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Organized by Mbido Igbo Association and Igbo Ukwu Development Union (IDU) in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Iwa ji ndi Igbo made its debut in 2005. With Mazi Ugochukwu Okafouzu as perceived arrowhead, the festival has enjoyed tremendous support from the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), which funded the construction of the National Yam House in Etiti Village, Igbo Ukwu.

It is also worth noting that the Anambra town of Igbo Ukwu has, through the vision of its traditional ruler, Igwe Ezeh, succeeded in attracting numerous federal agencies, especially those of the culture and tourism ministry.

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In fact, the National Roots and Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC), Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), National Gallery of Art (NGA), National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) as well as the NTDC all have a strong presence in Igbo Ukwu.

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Expectedly, while thanking all the federal government agencies and the chief executives of such bodies for their contribution toward the growth of his town; Igwe Igbo Ukwu also showered encomiums on Anambra Governor Peter Obi, whose ANIDS (Anambra Integrated Development Strategy) is fast transforming the state.

Concluding, the traditional ruler tabled some requests before relevant authorities. His prayers included “Construction of access road to the National Yam House; construction of a pavillion and landscaping at the Yam House; provision of air-conditioned buses to ease the movement of tourists visiting Igbo Ukwu and erection of a befitting palace for Ndi Igwe that attend Iwa ji ndi Igbo since it is a royal event”.

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In his response, the tourism minister; who spoke through his representative at the event, Mrs. Peace Anyiam; commended the festival’s organizers for their initiative. Speaking further during the grand finale of the indaba, which took place at National New Yam House, the tourism and culture minister added; “The ministry and its relevant parastatals have shown interest in the promotion of this festival”; (but), “If you want the annual Iwa ji ndi Igbo to attain its potential as a true national festival, the government of Anambra State, the local governments, concerned individuals as well as the people of Anambra and all stakeholders need to do more.”

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Concluding, Chief Duke; who implored all stakeholders “to join hands to make this festival grow into a (truly) national and international event”, promised: “The ministry within its mandate and policy is committed to supporting laudable initiatives”. 

This year’s fiesta featured conferment of chieftaincy titles on three personalities; Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, Chief Uche Agazie, Eze ndi Igbo in the Ghanaian town of Kumasi; and, Chief Emeka Umeh, Anambra Commissioner for Information and Culture. Chief Agazie (Ochendo) was installed Ezeakajiugo of Igbo land.

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Others, who witnessed the ceremonies, included Chief Rob Ezeife aka Aha eji eje mba Igbo Ukwu. Chief Ezeife, brother of a former Anambra State governor, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife; is President General of Igbo Ukwu Development Union. Among other notable personalities at the celebration were Commodore Paul Egwuonwu (rtd) and Ide Martin Offo as well as the Eze Igbo in various Nigerian towns, including Ifon, Ondo and Uyo. His Highness Eze CYC Ezeumeakuka JP is Eze Igbo in Uyo.

Aside former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Ezeife aka Okwadike Igbo Ukwu; Dr Chike Muonanu and Ichie Emma Ugochukwu, were among other dignitaries at this year’s festival; which featured colourful cultural displays by Abam troupe from Abia. Traditional dancers from Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Ondo et cetera also put up similarly scintilating performances.

It is worth recalling that Chief Barth Nwibe, Ugo Igbo Ukwu; hosted dozens of guests to a post-event dinner at his Etiti country home. On a candid note, one must register that akin to the day-time situation, where everyone at the National Yam House ate and drank to their fill; we were also treated to our hearts’ desire inside Chief Nwibe’s residence.

Whatever one’s choice of food or drink, he/she had plenty to fill the tummy, and there was enough to go round. HRH Igwe Alfred Onwuneme, Alupuo Aku of Ikenga; HRH Igwe Bob Orji, Eze Ugoato II of Ezinifite; HRH Igwe Christopher Umeaniba, Eze Chikwadolu of Azi-Ibo; HRH Igwe F.N. Ebelendu, Nnayelugo of Agulu Ezechukwu; Onowu Pius Mmoneme of Isuofia; Chief Christopher Okonkwo, Eze Aku Udo Igbo Ukwu and First Vice President of IDU; Chief Albert Ezewanne, Onwa ndi Igbo; Chief Pius Umeh, Ide ndi Igbo; Chief (Mrs.) Nkechi Mbamalu, Odu Eze ndi Igbo Igbo; Mr. Dike Ndulue, Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Information and Culture; and, Comrade PCH Okafor, Anambra Director of Culture were at this dinner, where the festival’s origin as well as journey over the years was narrated amid homage paid to those that have contributed to keeping the fire burning.

Truly, this year’s Iwa ji ndi Igbo or National New Yam Festival has come and gone, but its memory will linger for long in the minds of those that witnessed the four-day fiesta.

 By MAURICE ARCHIBONG

Caption

1. Igwe of Igbo Ukwu flanked by his wife (right) and Ichie Emma Ugochukwu (left).

2. Eze Igbo in Ifon, Ondo and Uyo.

3. Ezeife and Dr Chike Muonanu.

4. Cdr Paul Egwuonwu and Ide Martin Offo.

5. Nze Ezeugochukwu Okeke and another distinguished personality.

6. Abam troupe from Abia.

7. One of the many traditional troupes.

8. Another traditional troupe.

PHOTO: MAURICE ARCHIBONG