Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
The Nugu State Government has praised Mr. Emmanuel Ezikeanyi, the creator of the Igbo cultural calendar.
It was stated that the calendar would aid in the promotion of Igbo culture and tradition.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi spoke yesterday in Nsukka at the Nsukka Asadu (Nsukka town) Iwa ji (Yam Festival) and the launch of its Igbo cultural calendar, both organized by the Nsukka Town Union.
He described the calendar as a watershed moment in the preservation of Igbo cultural heritage, saying it would help the current generation understand the dates and significance of cultural events.
“This cultural calendar is commendable,” said the governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr. Ugoing to Ibe, “because it will enable the people to know not only the dates of events, but also the significance of cultural events.”
“I congratulate the inventor (Ezikeanyi) on his dedication to promoting Igbo culture and tradition.”
“The government will assist him in assisting other communities in developing their cultural calendar.”
Ugwuanyi commended Nsukka for hosting the yam festival and launching the calendar.
Chief Joseph Onyeke, President General of Nsukka Town Union, stated that the calendar was the first of its kind in Nsukka’s history.
“We have come to witness the launch of the Nsukka Asadu traditional yam festival and dating system packaged in the form of a calendar.”
“This calendar is the first of its kind in Nsukka’s history.”
“It will help our people know the dates of our cultural events, their significance, and serve as a reference point for future generations,” he said.
Onyeke thanked the guests who came from far and wide to witness the historic event despite their hectic schedules.
“We express our gratitude to everyone, particularly Governor Ugwuanyi, who sent the commissioner for culture and tourism to represent him,” he said.
Ezikeanyi told reporters that he published the first edition in 2014 and that it has since become an annual publication.
Ezikeanyi, a graduate of Adult Education and Administration at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, stated that he created the calendar to provide an alternative dating system to the traditional English calendar.
“My goal is to ensure that the Igbo have a unified calendar and dating system that reflects the days and times of our cultural events,” he stated.
