Igbo community in Ghana to host festival on Sept. 19

By Fortune Abang

The Igbo community in the Diaspora, Ghana Chapter, says it is set to host the annual Igbo Day/New Yam festival on Sept. 19, in the country.

The Eze Nd’Igbo of Ghana, Chief Chukwudi Ihenetu, said in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday that the event was part of efforts  to promote Igbo culture in Ghana and the Diaspora.

Ihenetu, also Assistant Publicity Secretary, Association of Ndieze Nd’Igbo in the Diaspora, said that the event would be put together alongside his wife Ugoeze Ihenetu, Palace Elders, “Ndichie” and Ndigbo in Ghana.

According to him, as laid down by Igbo tradition and culture, the celebration of New Yam affords Ndigbo opportunity to come together to thank God for fruitful farm season.

“The event is designed to showcase the rich Igbo culture and cuisine to the whole world; to this end, I am inviting all Igbo sons and daughters to this festival.

“This will help others to know that we have rich Cultural background that dated back to several centuries before the advent of the white man.

“This year’s event will mark its 9th edition and it promised to be electrifying, in terms of giving Ndigbo opportunity to commune together and celebrate the festival,” he said.

Ihenetu, who won several awards as a culture and peace ambassador, described Yam as king of crops, adding that its harvest season worth to be celebrated.

He said that the occasion would help to deepen mutual understanding about the Igbo culture and tradition.

“The occasion is especially important to us in the Diaspora, as it will give us the opportunity to interact with our brothers, sisters and children in our language.

“Igbo sons and daughters, who do not have the privilege to travel home to witness the event, will now be able to enjoy it here in Ghana,” he added. (NAN)