Igboukwu Community Unveils Senator Ekwunife’s Statue at 2025 National New Yam Festival

Senator Ekwunife’s Statue

By Our Reporter

The New Yam Festival remains one of the most significant cultural celebrations among the Igbo people. It marks the end of the planting season and heralds the harvest of yam, a staple crop central to the Igbo identity and agricultural heritage.

Each year, communities across Igbo land gather to commemorate this occasion, which honors the agricultural achievements of the progenitors of the Igbo race. Family heads,traditionally fathers lead prayers of thanksgiving to God for a successful harvest and seek blessings for the next planting season.

Traditional rulers initiate the ceremonies during the Iwa Ji or Iri Ji rites, offering prayers on behalf of the entire community.

This year’s National New Yam Festival, held in the Igboukwu community of Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, was historic. Themed “Showcasing the Best of Igbo Culture and Hospitality”, the celebration stood out not only for its cultural richness but also for the unveiling of a statue in honor of distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship Candidate in Anambra State.

The festival was hosted at the National Yam House in Etiti Village, Igboukwu, which came alive with vibrant displays of tradition, music, and communal pride. Among the distinguished guests was the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Dr. Hanatu Musawa, who praised the event for providing a platform for cultural reflection and community development.

Senator Ekwunife, visibly moved by the surprise unveiling of her statue, expressed deep gratitude. The monument was unveiled by the Traditional Ruler of Igboukwu Kingdom, Igwe Alexander Ejikemeuwa Azike, in recognition of her contributions to the promotion and preservation of Igbo culture.

Earlier, the National Coordinator of Mbido Igbo Association, Chief Okoaforuzu Ugochukwu, described the 2025 festival as symbolic, noting its importance as Ndigbo strive to redefine their agricultural and cultural directions. He stated that Senator Ekwunife was chosen for this honor due to her tireless efforts in advancing Igbo heritage.

Chief Ugochukwu praised the Senator as a true daughter of the Igboukwu Kingdom who has consistently supported the sustenance of Igbo traditions. Echoing this sentiment, Chief Nzubechukwu Henry Ikeji, chairman of the occasion, emphasized that this year’s festival served as a moment of stocktaking for Ndigbo and called for a renewed commitment to the preservation of Igbo cultural identity,especially the Igbo language.

He further lauded Ekwunife as a cultural ambassador, citing her philanthropic engagements and support for various cultural awareness platforms, including the Mbido Igbo Association.

Unveiling the statue, Igwe Azike described the 2025 festival as the most memorable yet, particularly because it honored a woman whose impact on humanity and community development is widely acknowledged. He emphasized that erecting the statue was a symbolic gesture to immortalize her legacy and affirm the community’s appreciation.

Several federal cultural agencies were also represented. Dr. Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), represented by Chief Edozie Obiajulu, commended Ekwunife’s contributions to Igboukwu and the wider Igbo society.

The Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), Mr. Richard Ovie Esewhaye, expressed satisfaction with the level of community engagement in preserving Igbo traditions, stressing that such festivals serve as reunions where development strategies are also discussed. He pledged continued NTDA collaboration in promoting cultural tourism.

Similarly, the Director-General of the National Gallery of Arts (NGA), Ahmed Bashir Sodangi, congratulated Ekwunife and called for stronger partnerships between local communities and the federal government to revive Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

In her remarks, Aisha Adamu Augie, Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), described the event as unique and applauded the recognition of Senator Ekwunife’s role in cultural preservation.

Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Director-General of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, noted that the event aligned with the agency’s mission to sensitize citizens on the importance of cultural identity.

In her response, Senator Uche Ekwunife,who also serves as Director-General of the South East Governors’ Forum—expressed her deep appreciation for the honor. She emphasized that the time for Igbo renaissance had come and revealed that the South East Governors were working toward a unified approach to reviving the Igbo language and addressing broader regional challenges.

A staunch advocate of Igba Boi, the traditional apprenticeship system, Ekwunife announced that the region would soon adopt unified policies to promote youth entrepreneurship and reduce unemployment.

She thanked the organizers for the recognition and pledged to remain steadfast in advancing the cause of Igbo cultural progress. Reaffirming her dedication to cultural preservation, she urged Ndigbo not to lose touch with their heritage amid modernization.

Reflecting on her personal connection to the community, she stated:

“As the first titled woman in this town, I am pleased that the respect accorded to me continues today. I will work closely with our Royal Father, Igwe Alexander Ejikemeuwa Azike, to elevate this festival, making it even more befitting, glamorous, and remarkable.”

The festival featured traditional dances, cultural exhibitions, and various forms of entertainment. The highlight of the celebration remained the unveiling of Senator Ekwunife’s statue,a lasting symbol of her contributions to the Igboukwu community and the Igbo nation.