The Igbo community in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State, recently held a vibrant celebration for the 2024 New Yam Festival, showcasing cultural ties with China through a collaboration with the HuaXing Arts Troupe Nigeria and the local Chinese community. This annual festival marks the conclusion of the farming season and heralds a new cycle of abundance and prosperity.
Attendees enjoyed an array of cultural performances, including traditional Igbo war dances, captivating masquerades, and the energetic Chinese lion dance, alongside the waist drum dance. The event featured the communal cutting and tasting of yams, fostering a rich tapestry of shared experiences among community members, who donned traditional attire, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
A significant highlight of the celebration was the presentation of N100,000 in educational support to ten students from the Amuwo Odofin council. Eze Augustine Sunday Ojukwu, the Eze Nidigbo of Amuwo Odofin, welcomed guests and emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and unity in his address.
Ojukwu remarked, “As we gather to celebrate the bountiful harvest that God has blessed us with, we are also celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and China, which represents the enduring bonds of friendship and unity that bind us together. This is a moment for us to give thanks, to reflect on our journey, and to renew our commitment to our community and our values.”
He also expressed his gratitude to Chief Eric Ni, the Nwanne Di Namba of Amuwo Odofin, for generously providing scholarships to deserving students. Ojukwu highlighted this contribution as a vital reminder of the role education plays in shaping the future of the community’s youth.