Now Spaniards know that yam has a spirit. When roasted, it communes with culture and tradition, in a language Ndigbo anywhere in the world interpret with glamour and with pomp.
That was what Spanish nationals discovered in Bilbao,Pais- Vasco (Northern Province of Spain) recently when different factions of Igbo communities in Europe, adorned in their bright colourful regalia, celebrated the new yam festival as ONE body and ONE community.
Convener, Association of Igbo Community in Bilbao, barely two years old under the Chairmanship of Mr. Ray Chuma Jnr and his executives were the brains behind the huge success of this unified Ndigbo splash this side of Europe.
The fusion of rich African culture and tradition in tandem with nature was anchored by Spanish based multiple award winning cultural icon and showbiz impresario, Her Excellency, Chief Princess (Mrs) Nwanne Campo, Eminent Peace Ambassador and the Osodieme 1 of Awka kingdom in Anambra state of Nigeria. Her daughters, Princess (Dr.) Julia Campo took time off her patients and travelled three hours to be with her mother at the great event, while Princess Chelo was the utility machismo who ensured stage settings, cameras and lightings were in place to guarantee a flawless celebration.
Chief host and Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Madrid, Spain, Chief Ferdinand Akpusi ably supported by the President, Nigerian Community, Madrid, Hon. Emmanuel Ani, received the great train ofroyals and dignitaries led by Royal father of the day, His Highness, Eze Mathew EmekaEzeani, Eze Ndigbo, Ireland whose convoy lit up CalleTelleria; No.7, BoluetaBilbao, venue of the event before noon, for the Iri Ji OfuFestival.
In his opening address, President of the Association of Igbo Community (AIC), called for unity and peace amongst the Igbos across Europe while Chief Ferdinand Akusi, the chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Madrid encouraged the unity of the Igbo communities and development of their host towns and villages.
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Dignitaries that graced the occasion include President of Nigerian Community, Madrid, Spain, Honourable Emmanuel Ani; representative of S.E.A., Madam Doris Irene; former President of Nigerian Union, Bizkaia, Mr. Monday Edos; President of Association of NdiUkwaNgwa Pais-Vasco, Mr. Bright MCauley; President of ANFEAR & General Secretary NUNS, Pais-Vasco, Comrade Derrique J. Eguavoen and President of African Women, Madam Dona Ledia.
Highlights of the event featured the crowning of three new Chiefs before the iwajiofu rites proper, byH.R.H Eze Mathew Ezeani, EzeNdigbo, Ireland. Recipients include Chief Cosmas EzinnaUde (Nnanyereugo 1) of Igbo, Bizkaia, Patron. Chief Israel Opara David (Eze udo1) of Igbo, Bizkaia and Chief Samuel N. Eboro (Eze di Ohanma 1) of Igbo, Bizkaia.Elder Friday Ben (Eziokwubundu 1) of BiIbao was also honoured with a Diploma as one of the patrons of the AIC, Bilbao.
Many Spanish nationals who graced the festival mixed freely and danced to the music of Sir Williams International dance band, but the graceful cultural interpretation of AIC children stole the show, followed by masquerades and cultural dances by Igbo Union, Pamplona.
After the cutting and eating of the new yam, His Royal Highness, the new chiefs and all the dignitaries cut the huge royal cake with Isiagu, coral beads, ojinaanara design made by famous cake designer in Spain, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Edo. The DJ, Mr. John ChukaOkpe (Akunaesi obi ike 1) of Igbo, Bizkaia, confirmed his rating on the wheel of steel.
Other VIPs include that celebrated the day with Ndigbos include President of Ghana Association, Bizkaia, Mr. Thomas; Prophetess Gloria Amaka, from Vitoria; President of Igbo Union, Pamplona, Mr. UchennaOgwuja and CEO of Bakassi African Restaurant Madrid, Sir Melody (Isi mmilinaOjoto).
Others include President of Igbo Union, Vitoria, Mr. OkechukwuChimereze Dickson and President of Igbo Union, San Sebastian, Mr. NdukaOzuah.
Notable Associations which also honoured the AIC at the occasion, include Oodua Progressive Union, Bilbao; Igbo Union, Pamplona; Igbo Union, Vitoria, Igbo Union San Sebastian; Ghana Community, Bilbao; Nigerian Community, Bilbao, and Edo Community, Bilbao.
In his vote of thanks, VP of the AIC, Bilbao, Mr. Innocent Adakonye (Ochie 1 of Bizkaia), commended Her Excellency, Chief Princess Mrs. Nwanne Campo for the media publicity she gave to the event and all she did as the decorator of the venue and as the Master of Ceremony of the successful new yam festival. He also thanked everyone that worked for the benefit of the Association, the Royal father, dignitaries and guests that graced the occasion, including ecretary of the ICA, Mr. Kingsley ChinweubaOgbonna (Aku rue ulo) facilitated the photo coverage of the event and one of the great people behind the huge success of the irijiofu festival.
It will be another year before the Spaniards would see and relive the splendor and colour of a great African culture and tradition as the New Yam Festival.
