By Sam Asoluka

Thousands of people turned out in Charlton Park, South London last weekend in the blazing sunshine to immerse themselves in Igbo Arts and culture. As it was fittingly called, Igbo Festival of Art and Culture showcased the vibrancy and richness of Igbo Arts and culture to the UK and the world.

The festival featured work of Arts by renowned Artists from different Igbo Communities, Presentations, Performances by Organizations and Town Unions. And to cap it all, the revelers were also entertained by revered Igbo masquerades. 

The various Communities and the revelers donned fantastic Igbo colourful outfits to suit the festival. and many types of Igbo traditional foods and drinks were also served.

In his address, Mazi Obi Okoli, the Coordinator of the festival said ‘Ndigbo! We greet you all with the sincere greetings of peace. As we gather to celebrate the 5th anniversary of our unique outdoor event, the Igbo Festival of Arts and Culture. We must all reflect that never in history has Ndigbo been under so much stress and pain as in the last 2 years…Unfortunately, some of our greatest tribulations are the result of our own desperations, weakness, extremist hold on religion that teach us to love even when butchered like cows

He continued ‘As we celebrate today we must bear in mind that we are a strong people, universal and hardworking and despite all our travails we shall come forth victorious. We shall overcome by our great desire to succeed, the urge to reach our full potential and our pursuit of excellence as the keys that will unlock the door to our collective wellbeing’.

The festival was organized by the Council of Igbo Leaders, UK  and the Minister for Diaspora Affairs at the Nigeria High Commission represented the High Commission.