Catholic Bishop of Diocese of Awka, Anambra State, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor has called on government at all levels to give culture a facelift through the provision of incentive and paying adequate attention to the celebrants.
He urged them to upheld their cultural heritage, stressing that it was only insane fellows and dimwit that undermined their culture.
Speaking at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral’s refectory, Awka after cutting the roast new yam and declaring it open for consumption, the cleric described yam as the king of all crops and Igbo’s identity.
He expressed gratitude to God for his mercies, health and for allowing them to participate in another round of iwaji celebration.
He said, “The period of iwaji was actually a period of thanksgiving to God for His benevolence and for granting the farmers bountiful harvest.”
The Catholic Prelate who ate the roasted yam with garnished sauce in the presence of his guests, said he would not relent in appreciating culture and tradition.
He announced that the celebration at the Cathedral would be carried out simultaneously in all the parishes in the Diocese, noting that he was not alone in the celebration.
The celebration was witnessed by priests in their numbers adorning all manner of traditional attires.
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