From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The annual Anambra State new yam festival on Saturday held at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.
The event marked the beginning of the yam harvesting season, a crucial crop that is a staple food throughout the state.
Speaking at the occasion, the Anambra State governor, Prof Charles Soludo stressed the importance of agriculture in the state’s economy, especially the age-long Igbo value of “hard work pays”.
Gov Soludo said that the government is committed to encouraging people to farm to feed, which has the potential to create jobs, increase revenue and crash the food prices in the market.
“This is the pre-eminent cultural day we have in Igbo land. We have a special celebration for new yams. Today, Anambra as a state, officially unveiled the new yam festival. Several communities had done so before now.
“The symbolism of it, is that we are celebrating it as a state. Here, we have the traditional rulers representing the three senatorial zones. We use this to signify yam as the king of crops.
“Some time ago, we launched the farm to feed initiative in the midst of the hunger protest. Complaining about hunger is not the Igbo tradition. I encourage you to look for a space around where you live and cultivate what to eat. This will reduce the prices and of goods in the market,” Gov Soludo stressed.
The New Yam Festival is a cultural event that has been celebrated in the state for generations but not as a state function before Gov Soludo came onboard. It is steeped in tradition and folklore, with colourful displays of music, dance, and costumes.
The occasion which featured dance, masquerade displays, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the state provided an opportunity for the governor to interact with the people of the state.