Events

Igbere Cultural Festival: Promoting Heritage and Unity

Published

2 years ago

January 6, 2025

The Igbere Cultural Festival celebrates the ancestral heritage of 13 villages in Abia State, uniting communities through tradition and culture.

Eminent entrepreneur and politician Chimaobi Anyaso has lauded the annual Igbere Cultural Festival for its role in preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the Igbere people.

The festival, held in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, is sponsored by the OUK Foundation, founded by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

Speaking during the event at Amaiyi Village, Anyaso commended the former governor of Abia State for his unwavering support of the festival, which celebrates the ancestral practices of Igbere’s 13 villages.

The event showcases the unique folklore, traditional cuisines, dances, hospitality, attire, and language nuances of each community.

“This is a remarkable initiative to promote our forefathers’ culture, especially the positive aspects,” Anyaso said. “Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s efforts to unite the people and celebrate our heritage are commendable.

It’s a sacrifice that fosters reconnection with our roots and sets an example for others to emulate.”

Anyaso urged both the government and private sectors to increase investments in Nigeria’s cultural and tourism industries, emphasising their potential for substantial economic returns.

The 4th edition of the Igbere Cultural Festival, a two-day event, was held simultaneously across all 13 villages of Igbere: Agbo, Eziama, Amaukwu, Amakpo, Amankalu, Ibinanta, Amaofufu, Ibinaukwu, Umunsi, Okafia, Ohumola, Amaoji, and Amaiyi.

The celebration featured an array of traditional activities, including local food processing, wrestling, drama, folklore, poetry, lectures, dancing, and beauty contests.

Foreign tourists from the Republic of China also attended, enjoying the warm hospitality of the Igbere people, the pleasant weather, and the region’s scenic hilly landscape.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, in a statement, highlighted the festival’s role in promoting unity, peace, and social interaction.

“The cultural splendour of the 13 villages was once again reinvigorated, leaving a lasting impression on participants. This event is a testament to our historical existence and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage,” Kalu said.

The festival not only strengthens community ties but also showcases Nigeria’s vibrant cultural diversity to a global audience, positioning it as a key event in the nation’s cultural tourism calendar.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

3 weeks ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.