Anambra Polytechnic Celebrate New Yam Festival, Urges Support For Improved Production
Igwe Chuka Ameke, Igwe Ifeadigo of Anambra State Polytechnic(AnsPoly) has called on the government to empower farmers with irrigation facilities with a view to boosting food productivity.
Ameke made the call during the second edition of new yam (Iwaji) festival of the Polytechnic in Mgbakwu, Awka North Local Government Area on Wednesday.
Ameke said the festival was to appreciate the God of agriculture for a successful farming season and bumper harvest in line with the culture and values of Igbo land.
The said increased productivity would guarantee food security and reduce poverty and crime .
“The new yam festival we are celebrating today is the second in the series, it is a way to thank God for a bountiful harvest in this farming season and also to celebrate ourselves.
“We want government to support farmers with irrigation facilities because we can not achieve sustainability with reliance on natural rain.
“So, as Igwe AnsPoly, I am using the opportunity to encourage everybody, civil servants, teachers, students to engage in farming to guarantee food security,” he said.
In her message, Dr Njideka Chiekeze, the Rector of AnsPoly expressed happiness with the beauty and success of the festival.
Chiekeze said it showed the existence of peace and love while appreciating the organisers for uniting for the progress in the academic community.
“Ceremonies like this not only remind us of our values as a people, it is also good for our health , and dancing normalises our blood pressure.
“I want to thank those who put this event together, especially those who came up with the idea of having AnsPoly Igwe and cabinet,” she said.
The colourful festival which started with royal dance of the Igwe and his cabinet featured traditional dances and rare Igbo delicacy roast yam and sauce as well as Palmwine.
A chieftaincy title was also bestowed on a female staff of the Polytechnic by the Igwe.
