Traditional ruler seeks NTDC support for new yam festival
Towards this end, the Idu II of Igbo Ukwu, Igwe Dr. Martin Ezeh on Friday led a delegation of traditional rulers from Anambra State to solicit the support of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC). Addressing the Director General of NTDC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe in his office, the traditional ruler said this year’s festival will […]
Towards this end, the Idu II of Igbo Ukwu, Igwe Dr. Martin Ezeh on Friday led a delegation of traditional rulers from Anambra State to solicit the support of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC).
Addressing the Director General of NTDC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe in his office, the traditional ruler said this year’s festival will feature a colloquium on August 23rd at Awka the state capital and on the 24th there will be movement of a carnival train from Awka to IgboUkwu with a road show that ends at the National Museum, Igboukwu and opening of National Art Exhibition by National Gallery of Art with all night musical performance by Pericoma Arondizuogu.
Other activities lined up for the 26th are:cultural dance/ Masquerade display by the 21 Local Governments of the state. Best Wine Taper, Best Artist, Best Dancing troupe and Best performing masquerade competitions with all night musical performance by Osadebe Jnr.
The grand finale on 27th will feature Iwa Ji, Awards, wrestling, biggest yam competition, cultural dance display by the five eastern states alongside Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states.
ON his part, Otunba Runsewe promised to provide the community with promotional materials like T- shirts, caps, brochures, gift items and NTDC branded leather works while the national Yam House located in igbo ukwu will be refurbished.
The DG also promised to provide a virtual tour for the Owerre-Ezukala Cave, stating that it was a natural monument which people, including foreigners should be able to visit via the computer if they cannot visit physically.Speaking further, Otunba Runsewe commended the timing of the festival describing it as “not conflicting with any other festival in the national calendar”. He implored the Igwe to modify this year’s event by including activities not done in the past suggesting that the physically challenged should be considered in
the scheme of things adding that the festival will provide a platform for them to showcase their talents in whatever capacity.