Anambra Govt, Descendants Fortune Investments Ltd Unveil 2024 Christmas Village, Re-Echo Akụ Ruo Ụlọ Call

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Anambra indigenes have been urged to make their 2024 Christmas celebration a true homecoming by returning home to their state for the yuletide.

The State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, made the call on Friday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, during the official unveiling of the 2024 Anambra Christmas Village. The initiative, facilitated by the state government through the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, is being championed in collaboration with the Descendants Fortune Investments Ltd.

The month-long Village, to be located close to the Solution Fun City at the Awka Stadium, will encompass such key attractions as: food courts (showcasing and offering arrays of traditional Anambra dishes and other refreshments); business areas (a hub of activities and commerce featuring a wide variety of vendors selling handmade crafts and others); cultural performances and shows (a stage for traditional dance, drama, and storytelling that reflect the diverse culture of Anambra and the broader Igbo heritage.

Also to be encompassed in the village are: car carnival (which will showcase spectacular displays of decorated vehicles); the village square (to be filled with traditional and cultural activities, including traditional wrestling, local games, moonlight tales, etc); local government parade (a daily highlights, featuring performances from each local govt area in the State, showcasing what make each of them thick and unique); children's playground; light displays and decorations; old school night, as well as VIP Lounge, among others.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Commissioner Onyenji described the Christmas Village as the first of its kind in the State, adding that it is part of Governor Chukwuma Soludo's “Solution” programs aimed at boosting the state’s tourism and entertainment sectors. He also emphasized that the initiative would foster community engagement and economic growth, while also promoting the Governor's Akụ Ruo Ụlọ campaign, which encourages Anambra indigenes to bring parts of their wealth and investments home to help develop Anambra.

Commissioner Onyenji further revealed that the Christmas Village will work side-by-side with the ongoing Solution Fun City project in Awka, which is nearing completion; adding that the projects will provide the people of Anambra with world-class entertainment and recreational facilities during the festive season, thereby making the state an attractive destination for both locals and visitors.

While expressing gratitude to Governor Soludo and the State Executive Council for supporting the initiative, the Commissioner urged Ndị Anambra to embrace the spirit of the season by returning home, celebrating Christmas in Anambra, and contributing to the state’s development.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Descendants Fortune Investment Ltd., Prince Ikechukwu Okafor, explained that the Christmas Village is designed to offer relaxation and fun for Ndi Anambra during the yuletide season.

He lamented that about 80% of Anambra’s brightest minds and wealth are in the diaspora, where they often face hardships and discrimination.

Prince Okafor, who extolled Ndị Anambra and Ndị Igbo as highly industrious and entrepreneurial people who have contributed immensely to the development of the country, however, called on them to consider investing in their homeland, while also urging them to come home for the holidays.

“We want to add our voice in urging our people to come home, celebrate Christmas here, and bring part of their investments back to Anambra,” he stated.

Providing an overview of the Village and its contents, the Project Manager, Descendants Fortune Investment Ltd., Mr. Emmanuel Godwin Owuala, described the Christmas Village as the most enchanting and culturally vibrant holiday celebration in southeastern Nigeria.

According to him, the month-long event, running from December 12, 2024, to January 12, 2025, will offer visitors a blend of traditional festivities and innovative attractions, promising an unforgettable experience.

Mr. Owuala reassured of top-notch security measures and safety protocols in and around the Christmas Village, further re-emphasizing that the venue will also serve as a one-stop marketplace where visitors can shop for various goods and enjoy a lively, festive atmosphere.

“This year’s theme, ‘People, SOLUtions, and the Magic of Christmas,’ emphasizes community collaboration, creative ingenuity, and sustainable practices in line with Governor Soludo’s vision for a prosperous, secure, and environmentally friendly Anambra State,” Mr. Owuala noted.

He further hinted that the event's objectives include creating a one-stop relaxation point, championing the ‘Akụ Ruo Ụlọ’ advocacy, promoting economic transformation, enhancing social harmony and community spirit, showcasing cultural heritage and innovation, supporting environmental sustainability, as well as strengthening governance and community participation.

In his remarks while unveiling the official logo of the 2024 Anambra Christmas Village, the State Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu, lauded the initiative for its potential to boost tourism, create jobs, and enhance the state's economic growth. He encouraged private sector collaboration in supporting such ventures and initiatives that align with the state's development agenda.

Similarly, the Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Soludo, Hon. Chinedu Nwoye (Glamour), in his goodwill message, commended the organizers for their foresight and efforts in creating a project that promotes both cultural values and economic opportunities for the state. He emphasized that the Christmas Village would create a unique festive experience for Ndi Anambra, making the state a top destination for Christmas celebrations.

The event also featured the announcement of the winners of Chinedu Uchenna Patrick, Obiedele Ifeanyi Cornelius, and Nzube Victor as the 3rd prize winner (100,000), 2nd prize winner (N150,000), and Overall Winner (N250,000) respectively in the 2024 Anambra Christmas Village Logo Challenge.

Also present at the event were the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Hon. Jerome Ilokwu; the Executive Director, the Descendants Fortune Investment Ltd., Chris Onyemelukwe, esq., among others.

Among other side attractions, the official unveiling of the 2024 Anambra Christmas Village Logo formed the high point of the event.

More photos from the event: