Valentine Ozigbo, a prominent leader of the Labour Party and a 2021 Anambra Gubernatorial Candidate, was in Oraukwu in Idemili North LGA of Anambra on Saturday, September 9, 2023, to celebrate the New Yam Festival of the people of Oraukwu Kingdom.
While speaking to journalists at the ceremony, Mr Ozigbo expressed his delight at being a part of the festivities, describing the Oraukwu New Yam Festival as not only “a time-honoured tradition but also a symbol of unity among the people of Oraukwu and reflects the essence of Igbo identity.”
“It is a privilege to be here today to witness the Oraukwu New Yam Festival. This event represents our people’s resilience, unity, and cultural richness. We must preserve and promote our heritage, as it is integral to our identity as Ndi Igbo,” Ozigbo stated.
Ozigbo commended Igwe Emeka Onuora and the people Oraukwu Kingdom for their dedication to preserving their cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of supporting and uplifting local communities, as they are the bedrock of our nation’s progress and development.
The Oraukwu New Yam Festival is an occasion for the community to offer gratitude to their deities for a bountiful harvest and to usher in a season of abundance. The festival was marked by traditional dances, music, and the symbolic yam cutting ceremony, all of which showcased the vibrancy of Igbo culture.
Valentine Ozigbo is renowned for his contributions to education, youth empowerment, and poverty alleviation across Nigeria. During his time as MD/CEO of Transcorp Hotels, he introduced the New Yam Festival as an annual event to highlight his passion for culture.