Igbo mark New Yam festival tomorrow
By Christian Okpara
THE best of Igbo culture will be on display tomorrow in Lagos as they celebrate their annual New Yam festival at the National Stadium.
The President of the Igbo Community in Lagos, Chief Jonathan Nnaji, who disclosed this in Lagos, said various dance groups and masquerades from all parts of Igboland would be part of the occasion.
According to Nnaji, "we will exhibit our rich culture, which will involve masquerades. The masquerades can appear from anywhere, as the belief is that they are spirits. Cultural groups are also coming to the occasion as it will be the best of its kind in recent times."
He also disclosed that the apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, would be represented at the occasion, as well as the various associations of the people in the state would also be there.
Governors from the South East states will be represented at the occasion, which will also be used to source for funds for the building of the association's civic centre in Lagos.
Nnaji debunked the notion that the New Yam festival was a fetish celebration, saying that the occasion was an opportunity for the people to take stock of their affairs, and thank God for His mercies.
On the achievement of the organisation since its inception, Nnaji said it played a prominent role in saving Igbo lives during the June 12, 1993 election crisis, and had helped in trouble shooting between the Igbo community and their hosts.
He said the Igbo speaking community in Lagos would soon have traditional rulers in all the local government areas of the state. "The body will elect a leader, who will be known as the chairman, council of Igbo traditional rulers in Lagos," he said.
Nnaji added that the occasion would be used to issue certificates to the various Igbo traditional rulers in the state as well as evaluate the activities of Ndigbo in Lagos.
