From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The 2024 New Yam/Cultural festival of Achi Ancient Kingdom, in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, tagged “New Yam/Mgbagbu Edere Achi Culural Festival October 2024”, will hold on Friday, October 25.
It will feature traditional wresting competition among other cultural activities.
A press statement made available to newsmen, signed by the chairman of the organising committee, Ichie Nnabuike Okwu, disclosed that the event is sponsored by HRH Igwe Chima Achiekwelu the Eze Ishiala Achi 1, who is also the Chairman of Oji River Traditional Rulers Council.
He disclosed that an Executive sienna bus,a Shuttle bus and a Tricycle(keke) bus will be won by the first, second and third best wrestlers, while there will be consolation cash prizes of N200.000 and N100.000 for the fourth and fifth runners up.
The statement reads, “The event is organized and sponsored by HRH Igwe Chima Achiekwelu, (Eze Ishiala Achi 1) Chairman Oji River Traditional Rulers Council, who is dedicated to promoting and preserving the traditions of the community.
“EZE ISHIALA in his usual philanthropy and commitment to the Revival/Elevation of Achi Culture and empowerment of Achi youths has once again rolled out special prizes to be won”.
He advised all able bodied young men who wish to participate in the competition to register with the sum of N30,000 into Acc/no – 0042003114(GTB) Acc name: Hall of Fame Nig LTD.
He advised that prominent men are free to sponsor talented youths from any of the 12 autonomous communities of Achi to participate in the competition.
Okwu added, “Ishiala kingdom Achi NNECHEEJI-Ji/MGBABU EDERE 2024 is an annual event that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Ishiala Achi kingdom.
“This year, the festival will feature a wrestling competition as always with exciting prizes for the winners.
“The wrestling competition at the Ishiala Achi Edere Festival 2024 promises to be a thrilling and competitive event. Wrestlers from the Ishiala community and neighbouring areas will come together to showcase their skills and strength in the traditional sport of wrestling. The competition will be fierce, with participants vying for the top three positions and the coveted prizes that come with them.
“The first-place winner of the wrestling competition will receive a brand new Sienna car, a valuable prize that reflects the prestige and honour associated with winning the tournament.
“The second-place winner will be awarded a minibus, while the third-place winner will receive a Keke, a popular mode of transportation in the community. These prizes serve as incentives for the wrestlers to give their best performance and compete at their highest level.
“HRM Igwe Chima Achiekwelu’s sponsorship of the wrestling competition over the years demonstrates his commitment to supporting and promoting the cultural traditions of the Ishiala community.
“By organizing events like the Ishiala Achi Edere Festival, Eze Ishiala helps to preserve the customs and practices that have been passed down through generations.
The festival provides a platform for communities to come together, celebrate their heritage, and participate in activities that are meaningful and significant to their identity.”
