Igwe Chidubem Iweka highlights the New Yam festival’s potential to enhance tourism, agriculture, and security in Nigeria during the Obosi celebration.
Nigeria’s vibrant cultural festivals, particularly the New Yam festival, have significant potential to drive development in tourism, agriculture, and security, according to His Royal Majesty Igwe Chidubem Iweka, the traditional ruler of the Obosi community in Anambra State.
Speaking at the grand finale of the 2024 New Yam festival, themed ‘Obiora/Iwaji’, held at the Afor Adike Market Square over the weekend, Igwe Iweka articulated his vision for leveraging this cherished event to promote community growth and cohesion.
The weeklong festivities commenced with a youth carnival, showcasing an array of cultural dances that highlighted Obosi’s rich heritage.
In his remarks, Igwe Iweka performed the traditional yam cutting, expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest. “The New Yam festival is an important event in Igbo land.
It promotes agriculture and fosters an appreciation for farming among the youth,” he stated, underscoring the festival’s role in cultivating interest in agriculture and cultural practices.
He further explained that such festivals could enhance tourism if packaged effectively. “A vibrant culture enhances a country and community’s soft power, improving its image through diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange.
The aim is to empower the people through agriculture,” he added, encouraging Obosi residents to embrace peace, which he deemed essential for growth and development.
During the celebrations, various cultural dance troupes performed traditional dances, captivating the audience, including the Igwe himself, who joined in the festivities.
The event attracted dignitaries from various branches of the Obosi Development Union, both locally and internationally, as well as community members.
Igwe Iweka also took the opportunity to address the community’s security situation. He expressed appreciation for the support from the local vigilante group, ‘Movement Against Cultism’, stating that proactive measures have been effective in combating crime.
“We approach crimes by being proactive… we are there by the grace of God to ward off crimes in Obosi and the entire Idemili North and South,” he affirmed.
In his speech, the President-General of the Obosi community, Chief Chimezie Obi, reported significant improvements in security since his assumption of office.
He revealed that over 85 per cent of crimes in Obosi were committed by non-indigenes, urging residents to collaborate in pursuing criminal elements.
“We no longer hear of killings in Obosi… we pursue the criminals,” he noted, emphasising the importance of community unity in maintaining peace.
The festival also served as a platform for honouring deserving members of the community with chieftaincy titles, further reinforcing the significance of cultural recognition and community solidarity.
Chief Okey Molokwu received the title of Ezeudo of Obosi, among others, highlighting the festival’s role in celebrating local achievements.
As the New Yam festival came to a close, Igwe Iweka reiterated the importance of preserving peace and unity in the community.
He urged the youth to avoid violence and criminal activities, stating, “No amount of economic hardship can be used as an excuse to take to crime.”
The successful conclusion of the New Yam festival not only celebrated the agricultural bounty of Obosi but also reaffirmed the community’s commitment to cultural heritage, tourism development, and enhanced security, laying the groundwork for a brighter future.
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