Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr Don Onyenji, says the state will hold the largest and most colourful new yam (Iri Ji) festival on October 21.

The Commissioner, who spoke to newsmen in Awka, said the festival would hold at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka with Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha and Chairman of Anambra Traditional Rulers Council as the Father of the Day.

He said Anambra was peaceful and safe and everyone was invited.

“As a State, Anambra is selling the festival to the world as one major cultural event, so the 2023 Iri Ji festival will be one with a difference.

“All the traditional rulers in Anambra, Town Union leadership will be there and the 21 Local Government Area Councils will be on parade.

“The festival is all about love and sharing, we invite all Anambra people and non Anambra citizens to come and witness the cutting of yam and the celebration associated with it,” he said.

Onyenji said the governor, who would be the chief host, would recognise the person with the biggest yam with the ‘king of yam’ (Eze Ji) award.

The Commissioner said there would be traditional wrestling, masquerade displays, Local Government dance parades as well as best of local cuisine and delicacies.