The Igbo Community Aberdeen, led by Edward Obi, director of HR Hub Plus Limited and Peridot Recruit, proudly hosted its annual Iwaji Festival 2024 on August 10, 2024 drawing over 500 attendees.
This year’s celebration, themed "harvest of unity and renewal," was held at St Mary's Parish Church, King Street, Aberdeen, and highlighted the rich cultural traditions of the Igbo people.
The Iwaji Festival, also known as the New Yam Festival, is a significant cultural event marking the end of the farming season and the start of the harvest. This year’s festival was a vibrant gathering of the Igbo community, friends, and supporters from across Aberdeen, celebrating unity and cultural heritage.
A highlight of the event was the special recognition of The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr. David Cameron, who was honoured as "Enyi Ndi Igbo," meaning "Friend of the Igbo People." This recognition was awarded to Dr. Cameron in appreciation of the consistent support he has shown the Igbo Community since assuming his role as Lord Provost. His dedication to fostering inclusivity and supporting diverse communities in Aberdeen has greatly strengthened the relationship between the Igbo community and the wider Aberdeen populace.
The ceremonial slicing of the yam, a central tradition of the festival, symbolised gratitude for the harvest and hope for continued prosperity. The event also featured traditional music, dance, and food, offering a deeply immersive cultural experience for all in attendance.
In his remarks, Edward Obi expressed his heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in making the event a success. He emphasised the importance of the festival’s theme, "harvest of unity and renewal," saying: "The Iwaji Festival is more than a celebration of our heritage; it’s an opportunity to come together, reflect on our shared values, and renew our commitment to supporting each other.
"We are thrilled by the strong turnout from both the Igbo community and our friends in Aberdeen, and we look forward to continuing this tradition of unity and celebration."
The Igbo Community Aberdeen remains dedicated to fostering unity and cultural understanding and looks forward to future events that continue to bring people together.
About the Igbo Community Aberdeen:
The Igbo Community Aberdeen is a cultural organisation committed to promoting and preserving the rich heritage of the Igbo people in Aberdeen and the surrounding areas.
Through community events, outreach, and cultural education, the organisation works to strengthen bonds within the Igbo community and with the wider Aberdeen community.