…. Ihedioha Says Festival Will Boost Imo Economy
By Uzoma Akobundu
Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, his Enugu state counterpart, Emeka Ugwuanyi and other notable dignitaries have rated the Iri Ji Mbaise (New Yam Festival of Mbaise nation) high, saying the culture, if harnessed of its riches, will make Imo State a tourist destination within and outside the country.
They said no one can divorce oneself from the rich cultural and traditional heritage of their land.
Mbaise people home and in the Diaspora celebrate their new yam festival in August 15 every year
Tambuwal, a special guest of honour at the 2019 Iri Mbaise Festival held Thursday, August, 15, 2019, at Mbaise Secondary School Field, Aboh Mbaise, urged the people of Imo State to support Governor Emeka Ihedioha.
Tambuwal, a former speaker of the National Assembly, described Ihedioha as a man who is result-oriented and dedicated to restoring all that the state lost in the past.
Governor Ugwuanyi of Enugu state described Mbaise nation as a peace loving and hospitable people who have been consistent in sustaining the age long Iri Ji tradition.
The governor noted that Mbaise nation had shown great desire in hoisting the cultural flag of the Igbo tribe with regularity and passion.
In his own address, the host governor, Ihedioha, described the Iri Ji event as one that must be sustained, not only in Mbaise but other parts of the state.
He noted that the wide acceptability and intimidating audience the festival witnessed could be leveraged on for socio-economic gains for the state.
Ihedioha who revealed that the festival triggers bountiful harvest for farmers and general prosperity for the people noted that the celebration often serves as a bond for the Mbaise nation.
Apart from Ugwuanyi, Tambuwal, other important guests included the deputy governor of Abia state, Udo Uko, deputy governor of Imo state, Gerald Irona and former governor of Imo state, Achike Udenwa
While Delta and Anambra governors were represented, King Jaja of Opopo, Obong of Calaber, the Amayanabor of Okirika, Eze Imo, HRM Agunwa Samuel Ohiri, HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanaya, among other first class traditional rulers also atended.
The State Chairman of Imo PDP, Charles Ezekwem, Commissioners, and top Government officials and host of other prominent Nigerians graced the occasion.