… Says festival now celebration of African Culture
As part of his efforts to promote Igbo culture in the Diaspora, the Eze Ndigbo Ghana and the Assistant Publicity Secretary Ndieze Ndigbo in the Diaspora, HRM Eze Dr Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu and his Palace elders on the 17th of September, celebrated 2023 New Yam festival in Ghana.
In an invent attended by captains of industry, ambassdors, First class kings from Nigeria, Ghana and neighbouring West Africa countries of Togo, Guinea, Benin, Mali, people from all walks of life, including Members House of Reps from Nigeria, Rt.Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, Rt.Hon Ugonna Ozurigbo, grace the New Yam festival where Igbo culture at its best was showcased to the international community.
In his opening remarks, HRM Dr. Ihenetu Global Peace Ambassador said the New Yam Festival affords Ndigbo opportunity to come together and felicitates. In his words: “ Yam Is king of crops, From time immemorial our fathers celebrate it as it afford them the opportunity to take stock of their harvest and to also thank God for His blessings.
“Today, we celebrate it in the Diaspora to pass this important legacy to our children. Most of our children are born outside Igboland, and it becomes necessary for us to organise events like this for us to come together and celebrate our festival where Igbo culture will be celebrated at its best.
It was a grand occasion, even as HRM Dr Ihenetu announced September 15, 2024, as a new date for the next New Yam festival. He urges everyone irrespective of tribe or country, so long they are African to attend the festival because apparently, we are not just promoting Igbo culture, but we are. promoting African culture. With the presence of kings and queens from all parts of Africa, it is now a full-blown African festival. “As they come, they also showcased their own culture. Yoruba, Hausa, people from South South and our neighbouring African countries were there to partake in the festival.”
HRM Ihenetu also thanked the host nation. Ghana and the president, Nana Akuffo Ado, the vice president and Ministry of Arts and Culture, support. It is also a great blessing that Ghana support people allow Igbo New Yam festival to be celebrated in Ghana. This is not surprising because. this country is a Pan African nation.
“I am also using this opportunity to announce that next year event would take place on the 15th of September 2024. We are also inviting several of our friends who are unable to make it this year to begin preparations to come and felicitates with us.”
While commending Ndigbo for their large turnout, HRM Dr Ihenetu said the Igbo community has grown to become the most formidable community in Ghana. The Amigbo Nwagele Imo state-born Royal Father, HRM Dr Ihenetu also urged Ndigbo in Ghana to continue to be law abiding by cooperating with their Ghanaian host.
Also, in attendance were representative of Nigeria High Commissioner to Ghana, and other ambassadors, Ghanian government officials were also on ground to witness the event.
So many notable Nigerians, Ghanians, including our African American brothers, were honoured with the Chieftaincy title.
The event also witnessed the presence of many paramount kings and queens from different regions in Ghana,from Togo, Benin. Senegal, Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, and Cameroon
Queen and wife of HRM Dr Ihenetu, Her Majesty Ugoeze Liberty Ihenetu. welcomed other queens from neighbouring countries who came for the occasion.
Not also left out are captains of industry, representative of Ghanian government and African Americans from the Caribbean.
Highpoint of the event was the cutting of the yam, breaking of kolanuts and cultural dance by Igbo associations and cultural troupe from different parts of Nigeria, neighbouring West African countries and Ghana.