By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
Arrangements have been concluded by Igbos in Cross River state to celebrate this year’s new yam festival with pomp and pagentry.
In fact, major streets in the state capital would be painted red on October 14, 2023, as Igbo from tribes are expected to troop out in their traditional outfits to mark the celebration.
The state governor Sen. Prince Bassey Otu is expected to be the special guest of honor at the august event.
The occasion would take place at the traditional home of the Eze Igbo CRS, Sir Emmanuel A Ezenwenyi, who also holds the Efik highest traditional title of “Ada Idaha ke Efik Eburutu,” at the state Housing Estate.
In attendance include, the minister of Sports, Sen John Owan Enoh , and his counterpart in the humanitarian affairs ministry, Dr Betta Edu as guests of honours.
Other dignitaries expected at the occasion include the Obong of Calabar Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi IV and the chairman of the state traditional rulers council, Eyinyin Dr Etim Okon Edet, as Royal father’s of the day.
Speaking with our correspondent a member of the local organizing committee of the new yam festival, Chief Livinus Iwuala, stated that a novelty football match would be held to herald the official commencement of the ceremony, while a thanksgiving mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Egerton street, on October 15 would signal the rounding up of the entire celebration.
Chief Iwuala also pointed out that apart from the festival providing them the opportunity to participate in the formal eating of new yam.
It would equally provide a platform for interaction among various age grades , create room for familiarisation as well as open up opportunities for the conceptualization of business relationships.
