UMUOJI (ANAMBRA) The Anambra Government says it is collating all cultural festivals across the state into a compendium for the inclusion of some of them in the nation’s tourism map.
The state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Tony Onyima, said this in Umuoji during the 2015 ‘Uzoiyi’ Festival of Umuoji in Idemili North Local Council Area.
Onyima said that the government was partnering with the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) to modernise and upgrade festivals in the state, including the Uzoiyi festival.
“There is the need for the festivals in the state and the South-East geo-political zone to be recognised nationally and internationally.
“It is important for the people of the zone to see how their cultures can be harnessed for the development of the area and country,” the commissioner said.
In his remark, the traditional ruler of Umuoji, Igwe Cyril Enweze, explained that the Uzoiyi festival was organised to thank God for last year’s harvest and pray for bountiful harvest in 2015.
Enweze lauded Governor. Willie Obiano of Anambra for appointing an indigene of the area in his cabinet and for improving the lot of the community in the education, health and security sectors.
The traditional ruler, however, appealed to the governor to complete the Nkwo Umuoji-Eke Agu- Abatete road began by the previous administration.
Also speaking, Chief Victor Umeh, the Guest of Honour and senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for Anambra Central, said the festival was part of efforts towards cultural revival in Igbo land.
Umeh thanked the community for the honour done him and promised to achieve a lot for the state and the South-East geo-political zone, if elected as a senator.