~ Holds inter-school dance, drama competition
A cultural group, Ifemeluigbo Dance, has organized a competition among secondary schools in Anambra State to promote awareness on Igbo Cultural Practices and the language.
The group said the competition was in a bid to promote the Igbo culture. The competition held between Community Secondary School, Amawbia and Community Secondary School, Enugwu-Agidi, in Awka South Local Government Area and Njikoka Local Government Area, respectively, and would be extended to other schools in the state
Convener of the competition, Ms Ify Nweri said: “I’m a lover of Igbo culture. Studying at Swansea University, UK, I loved how the whites cherished their culture, but I know that what we have here is a richer culture.
“My reason for convening this organisation is to promote our culture and showcase it to the world.”
The event featured cultural dance competition, Igbo Proverbs and meanings competition and Igbo drama. Students of both schools also held moonlight games, tales by moonlight and other interesting Igbo folklores.
Principal of Community secondary school, Enugwu-Agidi, Mrs Thecla Azubuike, highlighted the importance of the event, saying that there was need to students and young people to be channelled to.areas where they can learn certain things about their origin.
The event was attended by the leadership of both Amawbia and Enugwu-Agidi communities.
Ms Nweri in a welcome address said: “I believe children are among the most intelligent and creative beings I have ever observed. I became more passionate about Play, Culture, and Creative Arts during my program on developmental and therapeutic play at Swansea University. While planning play sessions and carrying out play sessions, I literally came to the conclusion that every child is different.
“I am very proud of my Igbo heritage that I speak proudly of my childhood; when I look at my childhood, I can proudly say I had a wonderful childhood growing up in nature and engaging in so many cultural activities. When I tell my English and Welsh friends about my Culture and how we engage in our cultural play activities, they marvel.
“Our Igbo children have “play patterns” that positively impact their development, though the activities are not well-documented by play theorists’ developmental norms.
“Our Igbo cultural play, dance, and creative arts are more than fun for children. They also help in their physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Children who engage in traditional dance and activities are likely to have better memory retention and cognitive flexibility. Our Igbo cultural play and dance often involve memorising steps and patterns; this helps improve children’s memory and cognitive skills,” Nweri said.
