Minister pledges global recognition for Iri Ji Ndi Igbo National New Yam Festival

The Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has vowed to elevate the Iri Ji Ndi Igbo National New Yam Festival to global prominence. She made this commitment during a courtesy visit from a delegation of traditional rulers and representatives from the South East states in Abuja yesterday.

Barrister Musawa, who promised to attend the festival scheduled for August 31, 2024, in Igboukwu, Anambra State, emphasized the significance of the New Yam Festival, comparing it to internationally recognized events such as the Argungu Fishing Festival and the Orisha Festival. She pledged to support the festival in attracting global attention, particularly among Nigerians of Igbo descent living abroad.

“The Iri Ji Ndi Igbo New Yam Festival is as important as the Argungu Fishing Festival and the Orisha Festival, among other internationally acclaimed events. It deserves the same level of promotion and recognition,” the Minister stated.

“The New Yam Festival is a vital part of Igbo culture, and it is crucial that we explore this rich cultural heritage to showcase Nigeria’s diversity to the world. The Ministry is committed to supporting the festival to draw attention from Nigerians of Igbo descent in the diaspora, leveraging the vast potential for cultural exchange.”

To boost the festival’s global reach, Musawa announced plans to involve UNESCO experts and submit the festival for possible enlistment. “This will not only underscore the festival’s cultural importance but also contribute to Nigeria’s cultural renaissance,” she added. Despite acknowledging funding challenges, the Minister assured that the Ministry is determined to make the Iri Ji Ndi Igbo National New Yam Festival a flagship event for Nigerian culture and tourism.

Earlier, the delegation led by HRH Eze Sylvester Onuegbu from Oguta, Imo State, urged the Ministry to provide critical support for the success of this year’s festival. He expressed gratitude for the Ministry’s past efforts, including the construction of the National Yam House in Igboukwu by the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), which serves as the festival’s national secretariat. However, Eze Onuegbu emphasized the need for further assistance to elevate the festival to national and international standards.

“We are grateful for the Ministry’s past support, but more is needed to take this festival to the next level,” said HRH Eze Onuegbu. “This festival has faced setbacks due to a lack of funds to enrich its cultural content and present it at a higher standard. With the right support, this festival can become a flagship event for Nigerian culture and tourism and could even be recognized by UNESCO.”

In his remarks, Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council of Arts and Culture, described the Iri Ji New Yam Festival as a global phenomenon. “All of Nigeria’s festivals are within our mandate, and the Iri Ji is a critical festival for us. We hope to be there on August 31st to capture the event and elevate its profile,” he said.

In addition, Hon. Okafor Dominic Ifeanyi, a member of the House Committee on Culture and Tourism, urged the Minister to recommend the festival for budgetary allocation to ensure its continuity. He praised the Minister’s passion for culture and looked forward to the Ministry’s presence at the grand finale of the Iri Ji festival.