Anambra State celebrated its annual New Yam Festival on Saturday at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, highlighting both cultural pride and agricultural productivity. The festival signified the start of the yam harvest season, with yams being a staple food and an essential crop across the state.
During the event, Governor Charles Soludo emphasized agriculture’s role in Anambra’s economy, especially the traditional Igbo belief that “hard work pays.” He shared that the government is dedicated to promoting farming for self-sufficiency, which could create jobs, boost revenue, and help reduce food prices.
“This is our premier cultural day in Igbo land, and the New Yam Festival is particularly special. Today, Anambra officially celebrated it as a state, although several communities had done so individually beforehand,” said Governor Soludo. He noted that the festival’s symbolism highlights yam as the ‘king of crops’ and brought together traditional rulers from the state’s three senatorial zones.
Referring to the recent farm-to-feed initiative, launched amid protests over food scarcity, Soludo encouraged residents to grow food in any available space, which he believes will help bring down market prices.
Historically celebrated across Anambra but only recently as an official state event, the New Yam Festival is steeped in tradition, featuring vibrant music, dance, and costumes. This year’s event also showcased traditional dances and masquerade performances, reflecting the state’s rich cultural heritage.