After a three -year recess occasioned largely by the effect of the coronavirus pandemic, all is set for the return of the iconic “Igbere Cultural Festival” set to be staged January 2, 2023 at the usual ancient suburban town of Igbere in Bende Local Government Abia-North Area of Abia State.
The reignited cultural revelry which showcases a retinue of fun packed cultural activities is organised by the Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation (OUKF) with the former governor of Abia State and current Chief Whip of the 9th Senate Orji Uzor Kalu as it’s major financier.
The 2023 cultural carnival themed ” Protecting Our Heritage and Restoring Creativity” focuses on projecting the rich culture of Igbere and Nigeria to the global community.
Confirming the development in a press statement on Friday, The Executive Secretary of the OUK foundation, Revd (Mrs) Jemimah Ola Kalu (Perm Sec.Rtd) highlighted reasons for the resumption of the festival.
According to Jemimah season 3.0 has been rebranded to thrill both tourists and local participants, she revealed that part of new twists includes the concurrent celebration of the festival in the 13 autonomous communities of Igbere.
Jemimah allured the communities to start preparation in earnest stating that the best performing community will be rewarded with a grand mouth watering prize.
She also revealed that a visiting team from the United States of America and Senator Kalu will be touring the 13 Igbere communities while the event holds sway.
The statement read in parts; “Season 3 of the festival will be held concurrently in the 13 autonomous communities of Igbere with the foundation executives/members, the visiting team from the United States of America and His excellency Senator Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu visiting the 13 communities of Igbere where the celebration is held.
“Every community of Igbere is expected to start preparation now as the best performing community will win the set prize. The celebration will still be held on the 2nd of January 2023 at 10am in 13 locations.
Expected to grace the occasion are first-class paramount rulers, top government officials, tourists, diplomats, members of the organised private sector and the media among others.
The event will feature a wide range of traditional activities such as local boxing contest, beauty pageant, lecture, drama, dancing competition and poetry among others while visiting tourists will be treated to a well secured ambience of pleasant weather , warm hospitality of Igbere People and the aesthetic hilly topographic areas.
The development has, however Thrilled locals within and outside Igbere community who couldn’t conceal their joy over the return of the cultural festival as they look forward to savouring the experiences that come with the event just like its previous editions.
It can be recalled that the maiden 2017 edition themed Cultural Heritage, Vehicle for Sustainable Development,” was held on January 6th 2018, while the 2018 edition was held on January 2nd 2019.
