Veteran Nollywood actor, Chief Pete Edochie, MON, has advocated for a specific day for Igbos within Nigeria and in the Diaspora to celebrate the New Yam Festival (Iwa ji ohuu) to strengthen the unity of the people.
Pete Edochie made this position known recently during the maiden edition of the New Yam Festival (‘Iri Ji’) and the Unveiling of NICO Enugu Cultural Troupe, organised NICO Enugu State Office.
The accomplished actor and cultural icon averred that this will restore most of the lost values of the people and curb corruption in the society, and challenged those in authority to invest in culture to restore our cherished indigenous belief systems, address moral decadence and other forms of social menace in the society.
Pete Edochie also reminded guests about certain abominable and forbidden acts, which have infiltrated our society as a result of Westernization and urged people to join hands in the revival of the cherished moral values that made the Igbo people unique.
On his part, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, commended the Management of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Barclays Foubiri Ayakoroma, for being in the forefront of reviving and promoting our festivals.
The Governor, who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Enugu State, Hon. Rita Mbah, noted that the period of New Yam festival was when the people thank God for a new beginning, just as it was time for reflections on the past, and expressed appreciation to NICO Enugu for being a good partner in the cultural re-orientation agenda and reviving our cherished values.
The occasion witnessed an array of traditional rulers and cultural performances, an Igbo rendition by Ogbu Oja Nanka in addition to display by NICO Enugu Cultural Troupe.
Ngoka Kingsley
Corporate Affairs Dept
NICO Enugu State Office