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Igbo community, Cajaah estate, Orozo celebrates New Yam with funfair
It was a deep display of Igbo cultural heritage during the celebration of the 2024 edition of the new yam festival by the Ndi Igbo community of Cajaah estate located in Orozo in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
This years ceremony which had as it’s theme: Our Culture, Our Heritage took place in the estate over the weekend and attracted Igbos within and outside its environ. They were indeed all dressed in different and diverse colorful traditional Igbo attires that befit the occasion.
Highlighting the purpose of the occasion, the Chairman of the Igbo community in Cajaah estate, Chief Cosmas Ekpunobi told our correspondent why the occasion was that important to them as Igbos.
He said, “It is in keeping with the tradition of Igbos anywhere they find themselves even if they are two or three. We have this tradition of bringing ourselves together, to know each other, share in our experiences and if possible help each other.
“New yam festival is one unique event in Igbo land that we have also tried to institute here, bring ourselves together and also bring our friends. It’s not exclusively for Igbos alone that is why you can see the presence of other people from other tribes with us here today.
“This is the second time we are doing this in this estate, and each time we keep trying to improve on what we are doing. But, that next time we are going to do this you will definitely see a lot of improvement.
“Let me assure you that the Nzuko Ndigbo is not a parallel association in the estate, but it is what we do as Igbos anywhere we find ourselves , both here and abroad. That was why sometimes ago there was a new yam festival in Germany and all of you saw what happened there. Like I said this association is not a parallel association, it is here to compliment the existing executive in the estate,” the Ndigbo chairman concluded.
Also speaking with our correspondent, chairman of the 2024 new yam festival organizing committee, Chief Nonso Onwuanibe gave more insight for the occasion, emphasizing that it’s meant to showcase their rich cultural heritage.
“The new yam festival or as we call it, Iwaji or Iriji is a festival that Igbos celebrate all over the world. It’s basically to usher in the new yam festival. It’s a mark of blessings, goodwill and togetherness. And as a community in this estate, the Chairman deemed it necessary that the Igbo community been a strong one in the estate it is pertinent to showcase our culture and our heritage to other tribes in the estate. That is one of the reasons we are having this wonderful occasion today,” he said.
Meanwhile, the special guest of honour at the event, the chairman of the estate Engr Kenneth Egbedion praised the Igbo community for setting the pace for unity in the estate.
“We want to congratulate you for putting together this event, and it’s our prayer that subsequent occasions it will be bigger and bigger. Thank you for setting the pace while others follow. You people have shown what it actually takes for community relation, for unity and harmony. I want to thank the leadership of the Ndigbo for setting the pace. For bringing unity amongst us and it’s our prayers that celebration will not seize in this estate,” he concluded.
The event featured the traditional cutting of the well roasted yam, which the Chairman of the Ndigbo community led other top dignitaries to performing the rites and thereafter there were displays of Igbo recitation which was anchored by two vibrant very young Igbo boys, Master David Amarachukwu Emenike and Master Emmanuel Chinenyenwa Emenike to the admiration of all.
The popular Ogene dance troops were also on ground to entertain the house with their traditional tunes.
The occasion did not lack in foods and drinks as the ‘Nzuko Ndigbo’ did actually put aside the Tinubu induced hardship in the land to entertain the guests with assorted and enough Igbo delicacies.
News
FG Targets 50,000 Youths for Digital Jobs, Deepens Partnerships for Nationwide Empowerment Drive
Joel Ajayi
Federal Government has intensified efforts to empower young Nigerians through strategic partnerships, digital skills development, and inclusive programmes aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities nationwide.
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, made this known during a media interview with African Independent Television (AIT), where he outlined a renewed policy direction focused on measurable impact, transparency, and large-scale youth engagement.
At the core of this effort, he explained, is a landmark partnership with the Digital School (TDS), supported by the Government of the United Arab Emirates, targeting the training of 50,000 Nigerian youths in globally competitive digital skills.
The Minister noted that the initiative is expected to produce at least 5,000 internationally certified and job-ready youths within the first six months of implementation.
Comrade Olawande also highlighted the Ministry’s sector-specific collaborations, including its partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), aimed at boosting youth participation in agriculture. He added that this is being complemented by expanded programmes under the Nigerian Youth Academy and other key youth empowerment initiatives.
He further disclosed that the government is scaling up internship, gig economy, and startup support programmes to reach a wider range of beneficiaries across the country, while also intensifying efforts to promote digital literacy through The Digital School (TDS) initiative, being implemented in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
To enhance transparency and ensure merit-based access to opportunities, the Ministry has introduced a digital engagement platform, “Nigerian New Tech.” He added that ongoing reforms in youth health, financial inclusion, and social protection are also broadening opportunities for young Nigerians.
During the interview, the Honourable Minister said:“We are moving away from fragmented and tokenistic approaches to youth development. Our focus is to build sustainable systems that empower young Nigerians at scale and with real impact.”
“Through our partnership with The Digital School and the UAE Government, we are not just training youths; we are preparing them for global opportunities, whether they choose to work remotely or internationally.”
“For too long, many young Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector, have been excluded from structured opportunities. This administration is committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind.”
“Our role as government is to create an enabling environment where young people can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
“Transparency and merit are at the core of all our programmes. Access to opportunities should not depend on who you know, but on your capacity and readiness to grow.”
The Honourable Minister reaffirmed that youth development remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth, assuring that the Ministry will continue to deepen partnerships, expand programmes, and implement sustainable frameworks for the benefit of present and future generations.
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