Saturady 15th August 2015 was THE FIRST ORAIFITE NEW YAM CELEBRATION as National Festival.
You see, last year's Afia Olu festival,
Chief Edem Duke - the Nigerian Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation,
announced that the new yam festival of the Oraifite people is a national festival recognized by the Federal Government (FG).
As a result FG Sets aside N5 Million Naira annually for the Oraifite Afia Olu celebration.
The Oraifite Improvemnet Union (OIU) under the President General, Dr J.A.P Nwokolo, and the Afia-Olu planning committee are now
responsible for the Organisation of Oraifite Afia-Olu National Festival and Cultural Day at Civic Centre Oraifite, Ekwusigo L.G.A, Anambra State.
Before federal government (FG) adopts Oraifite New Yam (Ufie-Jioku/Afia-Olu) celebration as a national festival, Afia Olu is
usually held at the last weekend of August ending.
Every year, at the ending of August the people of Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area (L.G.A) of Anambra State look up to the
Afia-Olu Festival to mark the end of Planting Season.
The day marks the beginning of eating of new yam in the community and the end of the planting season in Oraifite.
During the afia olu festival, the sons and daughters of the community living across the country, abroad and in the Diaspora return home
to join the relations in the celebration.
This festival helps Oraifite people to always come together in order to promote their rich cultural heritage and is now a permanent constituent
of the yearly national budget.
In recognition of the significance of the cultural significance of Oraifite Afia-Olu, FG has earmarked an annual sum of N5 million Naira in
the national budget to assist Oraifite community in administering the festival.
As we all know culture is a people's identity and a unifying ingredient in an organized society. The festival was the colourful parade of many
masquerades representing the different clans in Oraifite.
Our culture is our heritage. Be Proud of your Culture, for it is your Way of Life. OMENALA IGBO GA ADI. OMENALA ORAIFITE Ga Adi and nothing will stop it. If you don't like our culture and traditions - go and drink more palm wines. Then, think again!
Afiaolu is celebrated in individual family's home in thanks-giving to God Almighty for his protection during cultivation and harvest
period. Note that God or Gods here depends on the one that protected you and your family.
Below is the showcase pictures at the end of Oraifite Afia-olu Cultural Festival which include display of many Masquerade Exhibitions,
Cultural dances and other activities.
This page shares with you a couple of pictures taken during Afia Olu Festival 2015 at Oraifite Igbo Celebration
started from Eke day Saturday 15th August, Oraifite Civic Centre Oraifite, 12 noon prompt.
Sam Odiaka would personally like to take this opportunity to say special thanks to Community Leaders, Sir Emeka Offor (Chairman/CEO Chrome Group) and SamSCO Networks Associates for taken these pictures.
Here are the Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #1
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #2
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #3
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #4
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #5
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #6
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #7
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #8
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #9
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #10
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #11
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #12
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #13
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #14
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #15
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #16
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #17
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #18
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #19
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #20
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #21
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #22
The Ufie-Jioku | Afia Olu Festival Saturday 15th 2015 Pictures #23
Click here to see More PICTURES of Oraifite Afia Olu Festival 2015