Enugu On Air Personalities (OAPs) under the auspices of EnuguOAPsHangOut have concluded arrangements to host the biggest food festival in the Coal City, tagged: ‘Erimeri Festival.’
Speaking to Journalists on Friday when they were hosted by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Chief Ugonna Ibeh, the Chairman of EnuguOAPsHangOut, Uche Gabriel said the event is aimed at reawakening the culture of our people.
“If you look around you will see that our people are more in tune with Western culture and it shows in their choice of food and clothing. A very integral part of the culture of every society is their food. That is why we are celebrating this festival to make the people see the need to go back to their root.
“It is an opportunity for us to remind us that we are a people. We are Africans and we have our way of life. It is also an opportunity for us to revive our social life. It is also an opportunities for food vendors to make money as well.”
Uche also disclosed that they’re expecting dishes from the 5 South East states and beyond and they have gotten vendors that will deliver these various mouth watering delicacies that are unique to our people.
In his response, the Commissioner, Chief Ugonna Ibeh, restated the commitment of the state government to promoting, sustaining Igbo culture and values. He went on to assure the OAPs that the state government would support the festival the same way it had supported other noble ideas which tend to promote the culture of the Igbo.
“We have listened to you people and from what we have heard, we believe that you have the capacity to make the festival a success. As the ministry with the mandate to see to the promotion of culture and tourism in Enugu State, I find it necessary to key into this project.
Erimeri Cultural Festival which is slated to hold between December 18 and 20, 2021 will also feature food eating competition.
