By Mimi Chiadikaobi
The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Charles Soludo to direct the Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Entertainment,Mr Udoji Amedu, to designate the National Yam House, Igboukwu, as an official tourism and festival centre in the state, as part of efforts to promote cultural heritage and boost tourism-driven economic development.
The resolution followed a motion moved during plenary today 11th June, 2026 by the member representing Aguata Constituency II, Hon. Tony Muobike, who argued that the designation would unlock the vast tourism and cultural potential of the National Yam Festival, which is domiciled in Igboukwu.
Presenting the motion, Muobike emphasized the national significance of the festival, noting that it remains the officially recognized cultural festival representing the Igbo people in Nigeria.
According to him, “The Federal Government designated three major cultural festivals as national festivals for the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria. The Argungu Fishing Festival represents the North, the Osun-Osogbo Festival represents the West, while the Iri Ji Ndi Igbo Festival, domiciled in Igboukwu, Anambra State, represents the East.”
The lawmaker recalled that the Federal Government inaugurated the National Yam House in Etiti Village, Igboukwu, on October 4, 2007, as the national secretariat of the Yam Festival in Nigeria.
“In addition to the National Yam House, several cultural and tourism institutions were established in Igboukwu to support and promote the festival. These include the National Art Exhibition Centre, the Centre for African Arts and Civilization, the National Gallery of Art, the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, and the Nigerian Arts and Cultural Directory Project,” Muobike stated.
He further highlighted the historical importance of the community, describing Igboukwu as a renowned centre of cultural renaissance following the discovery of the famous Igboukwu Bronze in 1958.
“The Igboukwu Bronze, which dates back to about 900 AD, remains one of Africa’s oldest and most celebrated archaeological discoveries, placing the community on the global cultural map,” he added.
Contributing to the debate, lawmakers unanimously supported the motion, describing the National Yam House as a strategic asset capable of attracting tourists, preserving Igbo culture, and stimulating economic growth.
The member representing Aguata Constituency I, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke; the Majority Leader, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme; the member representing Anambra East Constituency, Barr. Obi Nweke; and the member representing Orumba South Constituency, Engr. Emma Nwafor, maintained that developing the facility into a tourism hub would create employment opportunities and generate significant revenue for the state.
They stressed that a properly developed tourism centre around the National Yam House would not only preserve the rich cultural identity of Ndi Igbo but also position Anambra as a leading destination for cultural tourism in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, commended the sponsor of the motion for bringing forward what he described as a people-oriented initiative aimed at preserving the cultural heritage of Ndi Anambra.
“Our cultural heritage is a priceless asset that must be protected and promoted. The National Yam House is a symbol of Igbo identity and deserves the attention of government. As a House, we shall continue to support initiatives that project the rich culture of our people,” Udeze said.
The speaker further assured members that he would personally lead the House on an inspection visit to the National Yam House, Igboukwu, to assess its condition and explore ways of advancing its development into a major tourism destination.
Following deliberations, the House unanimously adopted the motion and urged the state government to take immediate steps towards designating the National Yam House as an official tourism and festival centre in Anambra State.
