By CALEB AYANSINA

With another visit to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation by a delegation of Traditional Rulers from Igbo speaking States of Mbido Igbo Association, there is no doubt that the on going preparation to celebrate this year National Yam Festival by Igbo community has definitely reached an advance stage.

This led to the announcement of a new date of August 30th to September 3rd, 2011 for the forthcoming Yam Festival by the Minister of Tourism Culture and National Orientation Chief Edem Duke as against the 23rd -27th August 2011 at the National Yam House,Igbo Ukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State earlier disclosed by the delegation when they visited the Director- General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC.

The New Yam Festival is one of the festivals celebrated among the Igbos which has survived the strong influence of Christianity and modernization, which over the years have swept the region thereby eroding some aspects of the people’s culture.

Iwaji ceremony held in Dublin

The pomp and pageantry that always characterize the Festival is an eloquent testimony of the people’s rich cultural heritage. The annual festival, which is held at the end of the rainy season in August, depicts the rich culture and traditions of the Igbos.

Addressing the delegation in Abuja, the Minister of Tourism Culture and National Orientation Chief Edem Duke stated that tradition is very significant, and tradition must always be tradition, adding that despite the passage of time, the laws and the ways of our fathers must live on, because the day we loose our tradition, we will be like weeds in the sea floating without direction.

Chief Duke assured the delegation that as a High Chief in the Palace of the Obong of Calabar and as the Ochendo of Adagi Nnokwe in Igbo Community, he is part of them, and will definitely attend the festival.

He said the Igbokwu Festival which had resonated all over the country and even beyond, is renowned for attendance by our young men and women in Diaspora, while assuring that this year’s celebration will open a new chapter in the celebration of the festival and it would be broadcast live on television stations of 49 countries of Africa and beyond.

Earlier the leader of the delegation, His Royal Majesty Igwe Dr. Martin Ezeh of Anambra State, informed the Minister that the people of South East now have a National Festival of International standard that is at par with the North and West of the country. He congratulated the Minister for his new appointment.

 Features of the Iwaji festival

Other members of the delegation include His Royal Highness Ignatius Chuma from Enugu State, His Royal Highness Boniface Unogu of Imo State and Mazi Okafonzu Ugochukwu.

The 2011 National New Yam Festival tagged; Iwaji Ndi Igbo will feature a colloquium at Awka the state capital, 24th movement of carnival train from Awka to IgboUkwu with road show that ends at National Museum Igboukwu, 24th opening of National Art Exhibition by National Gallery of Art with an all night musical.

Other activities lined up are; cultural dance and Masquerade display by the 21 Local governments of the State. Best Wine Taper, Best Artist, Best Dancing troupe and Best performing masquerade competitions with all night musical performance by Osadebe Jnr.

The grand finale on September 3rd will feature Iwa Ji, Awards, wrestling, biggest yam competition, cultural dance display by the five eastern states with Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers State.