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YAM in the past was the Igbos favourite food. It stands as main food for the southeastern Nigeria ethnic group just as potato does to the typical Irishman.

A shortage of yam supply is a case of genuine distress. For no substitute gives the same sense of satisfaction. This preference for yam and the time and labour necessary for its production are some reasons why yam is a very important Igbo food.

And, thus its yearly celebration to welcome the new harvest season, which begins in August of every year. The Igbo Community Association in the Midlands will on Saturday August 2 celebrate the new yam festival in an exclusively cultural event tagged ‘Iwa-Ji Festival 2008’.

In its tenth year in Birmingham, the Igbo Community Association in the Midlands has lined up varieties of performances which include the new yam rites, Igbo traditional dances involving women, men and youth, sampling of various African food and cultural fashion show. ‘Iwa-Ji Festival 2008’ will be hosted at Mirage Banqueting and Hospitality Suites in Small Heath, Birmingham. Visit:www.ndigboatmidl ands.com/iwaji2008.asp

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