EKWUEME, ANYAOKU, OTHERS FOR ANAMBRA MAIDEN ANNUAL HOMECOMING

In a bid to promote Igbo language, culture and brotherhood, Anambra State Government has concluded arrangements for the maiden annual homecoming celebration in the state.

The celebration, which will start on December 28 to 30 at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka would see the state Governor, Mr. Peter Obi leading sons and daughters of the state including former vice president, Dr. Alex Ekwueme and former Secretary-General of Common Wealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku to the Christmas celebration.

Disclosing this, while briefing newsmen yesterday on the event, state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Chief Maja Umeh said promotion of Igbo language and culture had been a source of worry to the governor and people of the state before now, hence the decision to organize the programme.

He said already, invitations had been sent out to prominent sons and daughters of the state, both in and outside Nigeria for the programme which would commence with an inter-denominational service on December 28, while music panorama would also take place within the period. Umeh said government had already contracted prominent musicians and comedians like Basket Mouth, J. Martins, Nigga Raw, MC Loaf among others to feature during the celebration which he said would also attract art exhibitions.

The commissioner, who noted that food vendors were invited to book their spaces, said 'all the traditional rulers in the state, town union presidents, professionals, market leaders among others will all be involved.' He assured that adequate security had been put in place, despite the calm atmosphere that had pervaded the state in the past six months.