Udeze Seeks Revival of Igbo Ukwu Yam House

The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, has called for the revival, promotion and preservation of the historic National Yam House in Igbo Ukwu, describing it as one of the most significant cultural heritage sites in Igboland.

Speaking during a visit to the National Yam House and the Olili Ede Mbughu Igbo Ukwu Festival, the Speaker said the community occupies a unique position in the history and civilisation of the Igbo people. He noted that the famous Igbo Ukwu Bronze, the National Yam House, the museum and other historical monuments deserve greater attention and investment to preserve their cultural value for future generations.

Rt. Hon. Udeze stressed that the Yam House and other heritage sites should be developed into major tourist attractions capable of drawing visitors from across Nigeria and the international community. He expressed confidence that the ongoing road construction and dualisation projects being executed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo would improve access to the area, stimulate economic activities and strengthen tourism development.

The Speaker stated that Anambra deserves tourism facilities and cultural heritage centres that meet international standards. He commended the people of Igbo Ukwu for sustaining the Olili Ede Mbughu Festival and for their commitment to preserving the community’s rich cultural identity.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Chief Udoji Amaedu, described the National Yam House as a priceless cultural asset that reflects the history, creativity and identity of the Igbo people. He called for urgent government intervention to preserve and upgrade the facility for national and international recognition.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Inter Agency Committee and National Tourism Ambassador, Chief Ugochukwu Okaforouzu, traced the history of the National Yam House and appealed for the declaration of a public holiday during the annual National New Yam Festival in Igbo Ukwu. He also appreciated the Anambra State House of Assembly for passing a resolution designating the Yam House as a tourism and festival centre.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee of the Olili Ede Mbughu Igbo Ukwu Festival, Engr. Ebele Obodoekwe, appealed for the upgrading of tourism infrastructure in the community to enhance its attractiveness as a cultural destination.

The visit formed part of activities marking the annual Olili Ede Mbughu Festival, which attracted traditional rulers and cultural stakeholders from across the South East. The event also reinforced recent legislative efforts initiated by the member representing Aguata Two Constituency, Hon. Tony Muobike, through a motion seeking the designation of the National Yam House, Igbo Ukwu, as a major tourism and festival centre in Anambra State.