In a vibrant display of cultural pride and community spirit, the youths of Ndigbo Community in Rivers and Bayelsa States are gearing up for their highly anticipated ‘2024 Youth Week.’ This exciting event, themed Echika (Tomorrow is greater), is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Anzy Place, Louis Drive, Off Sani Abacha Road, GRA Phase III, Port Harcourt.
Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt last Monday, the Youth President, Engr. Okpara Maurice Ugochukwu expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the significance of the Youth Week as a platform for celebrating Igbo culture and empowering the younger generation.
“Our goal with the 2024 Youth Week is to inspire and unite Ndigbo youths across Rivers and Bayelsa States. The theme, Echika, symbolizes our belief in a brighter future, one where our culture, traditions, and values continue to thrive through the younger generation,” said Engr. Ugochukwu.
He stated that the event promises a rich lineup of activities, including cultural displays, traditional dance performances, and the much-anticipated beauty contests, Diokpa (Mr. Igbo) and Agbonma (Miss Igbo). A unique feature the event, he revealed, is the Igbamgba wrestling competition, which will see youths from various states and campuses compete for glory.
Okpara went on to inform that participants will also engage in intellectual contests like the quiz competitions Igbajuju and Nsiriagugo, testing their knowledge of Igbo history, language, and culture. The event will also showcase the talents of young athletes in the Ezinwa and Agbonma Secondary School Age football tournaments.
To cap off the celebration, the Ndigbo Community Youths will present Awards of Excellence to individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of Igbo culture within the community.
Engr. Ugochukwu concluded by inviting all Ndigbo youths in Senior Secondary and High institutions in Rivers and Bayelsa States to participate in this grand celebration, stating, “This is not just an event; it’s a movement to keep our culture alive and thriving for generations to come.”