By Kenneth Obi, Owerri
As the administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma in Imo State intensifies efforts to revive the age-long Ahịajọkụ festival, foremost Imo-born artist, curator and Igbo culture ambassador, Chief Paddy Obinna, has described the festival as a "harvest of ideas" that unites the Igbo people in celebration and intellectual discourse.
Speaking today on Ozisa FM Owerri during the program #Ahịajọkụ Half Hour", the octogenarian traced the origin of the iconic Ahịajọkụ Logo and the deeper meanings behind its symbolism.
Chief Obinna, a revered figure in Nigerian art and cultural circles, recounted that he designed the Ahịajọkụ Logo in 1976, during preparations for the Festival of Arts and Culture in 1977, popularly known as FESTAC ’77. His design was part of what Imo State showcased during the internationally renowned festival. Two years later, when the Ahịajọkụ festival was inaugurated in 1979, his work was adopted as the official logo of the event.
The Ahịajọkụ festival, an annual cultural gathering, is deeply rooted in Igbo tradition, particularly in celebrating agricultural harvests and the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people. The festival draws intellectuals, scholars, artists, and the general public together in a series of events that promote the continuity of Igbo identity and values.
Explaining the motifs in the Ahịajọkụ Logo, he highlighted several key symbols that speak to the depth of Igbo cosmology and worldview. The Ikenga, one of the central elements in the logo, represents the god of strength, industry and achievement. In Igbo tradition, Ikenga is a revered symbol of success, valor and hard work, qualities highly cherished by the Igbo people. Its inclusion in the logo reflects the essence of Ahịajọkụ as a festival that celebrates not just agricultural harvests, but also the intellectual and cultural achievements of the Igbo people.
Another significant symbol in the logo is the four-sided star, which Chief Obinna explained as representing the four market days in Igboland – Eke, Orie, Afor and Nkwo. These market days form the foundation of the traditional Igbo calendar and play an essential role in the rhythm of daily life, commerce, and social interactions in Igbo communities. By incorporating this symbol, the logo underscores the importance of these cycles in Igbo culture and their connection to the festival.
He also elaborated on the relationship between Njọkụ, the god of yams, and Ikenga. While Njọkụ represents fertility and the agricultural bounty, particularly in yam cultivation, Ikenga symbolizes the strength and industry required to cultivate the land. Together, these two deities highlight the balanced interplay of nature and human effort in the agricultural success of the Igbo people, which the Ahịajọkụ festival celebrates.
Additionally, the drum symbol featured in the logo represents the celebratory nature of the festival. Drums hold a central place in Igbo festivities, ceremonies, and cultural expression. The presence of the drum in the logo reflects the joy and communal spirit that accompanies the festival, as well as the rhythm of life that resonates through both agricultural work and cultural celebrations.
In his reflections, Chief Obinna emphasized the enduring relevance of the Ahịajọkụ festival, not only as a celebration of the agricultural year but also as a forum for the exchange of ideas that preserve and promote Igbo culture. "Ahịajọkụ is more than a harvest of yams; it is a harvest of ideas that brings our people together," he said, underscoring the festival's role in fostering unity and intellectual engagement among the Igbo.
As the government of Senator Hope Uzodimma drives the revival and growth of the Ahịajọkụ festival, Chief Obinna's contributions as both an artist and a cultural ambassador remain significant to its identity. His work in creating the festival's logo has become an iconic symbol of Igbo pride, resilience and cultural continuity, inspiring generations of Igbo people to celebrate their heritage with renewed vigor.
The Ahịajọkụ festival stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the Igbo people, with its origins deeply intertwined with the artistic and intellectual contributions of many revered Igbo figures.
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