The Anambra State Government has taken a major step towards establishing a National Yam Festival Cultural Village following the donation of 56 plots of land by the Igboukwu community in Aguata Local Government Area.
The land, located at Etiti Village, Igboukwu, was formally handed over to the state government during a ceremony attended by government officials, traditional rulers and stakeholders in culture, tourism and agriculture.
The President-General of Igboukwu, Barrister Michael Ubah, and the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Alex Azike, presented the title documents for the property to the state government.
Receiving the documents on behalf of the government, the Director of Tourism, Mrs. Chioma Afuba, who represented the Commissioner for Tourism, Barrister Udorji Amedu, described the project as a significant opportunity to promote Anambra’s cultural heritage and tourism potential.
Afuba said the proposed cultural village aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of positioning Anambra as a leading destination for cultural tourism.
She expressed optimism that the facility could attract visitors from across Nigeria and beyond, while assuring the Igboukwu community of the state government’s commitment to developing the project.
She also disclosed that efforts would be made to seek international recognition for the facility, including possible recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO.
Representing the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, the Director of Cultural Industries and Heritage, Princess Ginika Nwafor-Orizu, pledged the Federal Government’s support for the initiative.
She described the proposed cultural village as a multifunctional centre that would promote cultural education, research, exhibitions, tourism and investment while showcasing Nigeria’s agricultural heritage.
The President-General of Igboukwu, Michael Ubah, said the land donation represented the community’s commitment to seeing the long-standing project become a reality.
He expressed optimism that the initiative would transform Igboukwu into a major tourism destination and create new economic opportunities for residents.
Providing details of the proposed facility, the Chairman of Mbido Igbo Association, Chief Ugochukwu Okafor-Ofoezu, said the cultural village would feature a yam barn, cocoyam barn, cultural pavilion, royal dome, art exhibition centre, tourism institute, yam and cocoyam research and information centre, hotel and other supporting facilities.
He called for a public-private-community partnership to ensure the successful development and sustainability of the project.
Okafor-Ofoezu also identified access roads, electricity, potable water, landscaping, perimeter fencing and adequate security as critical infrastructure required for the project.
He further advocated a joint management framework involving relevant stakeholders to ensure effective administration of the facility.
Representatives of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority, National Root Crops Research Institute, Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation, Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, traditional rulers and other stakeholders attended the handover ceremony.
When completed, the proposed National Yam Festival Cultural Village is expected to serve as a centre for cultural tourism, research, exhibitions and investment, while preserving and promoting the cultural significance of yam in Nigeria.
With yam playing a major role in the cultural and traditional life of communities across the South-East, stakeholders believe the project could help transform the crop’s rich cultural heritage into a sustainable tourism and economic asset.
