MTN Flags-off 8th Anioma Cultural Festival in Asaba

4th April, 2011 - 7:24 AM

Nigeria's leading telecommunications company, MTN is set to once again flag-off this year's edition of Anioma Cultural Festival which takes centre stage on Easter Monday, April 25, 2011 at Arcade Ground, Asaba the capital city of Delta State.

The event, now in its 8th year, is aimed at bringing together the Anioma people and culture aficionados. This year¿s event begins with royal visits to custodians of culture and other relevant stakeholders in the Delta State. 

MTN Nigeria has consistently sponsored the festival, which is reputed as the finest cultural event in Delta State with its attribute of bringing together Anioma sons and daughters and Nigeria's multicultural community in a unique, vibrant and contemporary style celebration of arts and culture. 

According to the Regional Marketing Manager, Southeast MTN Nigeria, Mr Dan Nwankwo, MTN¿s continuous sponsorship of the festival is in line with its commitment to promote Nigeria's cultural heritage. 

"We have decided to associate with the people's cultural heritage and promote the values and customs of the Nigerian communities through our support and sponsorship of cultural festivals," he said.

The theme for this year¿s festival "Spirit of Unity in Anioma culture¿, which, according to the organisers, in line with the Anioma historical values of togetherness and selfless service to one another and communities.

This year's edition of the festival will witness new and exciting activities such as traditional wrestling challenge and traditional flutists - Akpele. Among other great performances are the energetic Egwu-Oshushu, Egwu Amala, Egwu Aja maiden dance, Agwubaroyal dance, as well as lovely display of Anioma contemporary culture by well choreographed youth dance groups.

The President of the Organisation for the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC), Arc. Kester Ifeadi said that over 100 cultural groups and arts exhibitors are expected at this year's festival.

"Anioma festival is being developed as a vehicle for social integration, promotion of peace and community development in line with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation¿s initiative on cultural development," he added.

MTN supported 17 communities to celebrate their cultural festivals in 2010 alone, while over 40 festivals have been sponsored since 2008.