Dr. Chimaobi Anyaso, the 2023 Governorship Candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Abia State, has highlighted the vital role of national unity, educational advancement, and cultural development in driving Nigeria’s growth and global recognition.
Speaking to journalists during the 2025 edition of his annual new yam cultural festival, Iri Ji Ofuji, Dr. Anyaso underscored that a united Nigeria with a strong focus on education and cultural pride would stand tall among the world’s leading nations.
“With unity, Nigeria can strengthen its cohesion as a political and social entity. With meaningful investment in education, especially in this era of Artificial Intelligence, the nation will earn a respectable place among the world’s most knowledgeable societies. When we also harness and promote our cultural heritage, Nigeria can become a global tourism destination, creating immense economic opportunities,” he said.
Bearing the traditional title Ofuji Ndi Igbo, Dr. Anyaso explained that the theme for this year’s celebration, “Celebration of Two Decades of Bountiful Harvest: The Role of Education and Training in Cultivating the Next Generation of Wealth Creators,” reflects his commitment to human capital development through education and skill training.
The colourful event, which took place at the palace of HRH Eze Anyanta Joseph in Igbere, also marked Dr. Anyaso’s 45th birthday. He described the festival as both a celebration of culture and a spiritual act of gratitude.
“The new yam festival in Igbo culture symbolises thanksgiving for a fruitful harvest. We are here to thank God for the blessings of 2025—for life, good health, and the abundance we have received,” he noted.
He added, “When you show gratitude to God for what He has done, He blesses you even more. Many people plant seeds but do not live to reap the fruits. Being alive to celebrate the harvest is itself a testimony.”
Dr. Anyaso reiterated that Nigeria’s progress depends largely on its ability to unite its people, reform its education sector, and project its rich cultural identity to the world. According to him, no nation can thrive without prioritising knowledge, cohesion, and cultural pride.
Through the Iri Ji Ofuji celebration, which has run for two decades, Anyaso continues to use culture as a tool to foster unity, inspire young people, and promote the values of hard work, education, and gratitude in the society.
