By Nneka Anoliefo, Awka
Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council has expressed Commitment towards promotion of core Igbo Values and tradition.
The Chairman of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council Obi Alfred Achebe gave the assurance during the maiden edition of iri ji festival organized by the State government in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs headed by Commissioner and Ministry of Culture and Tourism at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.
Our correspondent who attended the iri ji festival and brought back details.
Obi Alfred Achebe who applauded Governor Chukwuma Soludo and Wife, Mrs Nonye for championing the cause of culture and tradition in the state explained that the Anambra traditional rulers council is in partnership with the South East Traditional Rulers Council and groups of Archbishops to promote Igbo language and culture to save the language from going into extinction.
He advocated that children should be made to pertake in the other edition.
The Deputy Chairman Anambra traditional rulers council, Igwe Sunday Okafor, Igwe Pius Omachonu of Olumbanasaa, Igwe Thomas Ogbonnaya of Owelle Ezukalla in Orumba South, Igwe Raphael Offor of Omorgho and his Ezi – Agu counterpart,Igwe Ebube Agu Emejuo, expressed satisfaction with the 2023 iri ji festival expecting that the festival will continue to promote peaceful coexistence among Ndigbo and called for the the sustaince of the iri ji festival for it to be recognized by UNESCO just like Argungu fishing festival.
Other Royal fathers who commended the iri ji festival include Igwe Pharmacist Uzo Onyido of Ogidi Town, Igwe Joseph Ajodo of Ukwalla Town, Igwe Charles Agbala of Uke and the traditional ruler of Abacha Igwe Godwin Odiegwu, as well as that of Nawfia, Igwe Daniel Obelle, and Igwe Bob Orji of Ezinifite in Aguata Council Area expressed satisfaction with the festival and explained that New yam festival symbolizes the conclusion of harvest and beginning of next work circle in Igbo land pointing out that it ties Igbo communities together and promised continuous support and promotion of core Igbo values in their different towns.
Other traditional rulers who bared their minds on the iri ji festival includes, the traditional ruler of Ebenebe town, Igwe Christopher Nnaegbunna and Igwe Peter Ezeamama of Enugwu Umuoyia joined their voices in appreciating the state Governor and his Wife and the organizers for their efforts in promoting Igbo culture and tradition and thanked God who gives increase and yield.
