By Praise Chinecherem
Ifite Ogbeadiji Ebenesi community in Nnobi, Idemili South Council Area has celebrated its maiden new yam festival sponsored by a philanthropist from the community, Chief Emeka Ezeonu.
The ceremony was attended by the traditional ruler of Nnobi, lgwe Engineer Nick Obi, members of his cabinet and other renowned chieftaincy title holders in the community.
The six kindreds of Umuezeobi, Umuezeneke, Umuezeanya, Umuezenwaka, Umuodogu and Odukwe that make up Ifite Ogbeadiji dressed in different colourful attires to grace the ceremony.
The traditional ruler of Nnobi, lgwe Obi, said the new yam festival known in the community as “Ashiaolu” is an annual event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nnobi and serves as a way for members of the community to appreciate God for successful harvest.
He encouraged Nnobi people to embrace culture as a way of promoting love, peace, unity and progress in the community.
Speaking during the event, the sponsor, Chief Ezeonu, beckoned on Ndigbo to come together and choose a single date to celebrate the new yam festival across the South East region as a way to make the celebration a tourist attraction.
Some of the dignitaries who spoke to Our Correspondent at the event include the Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili South Council Area, Mrs Amaka Obi; the oldest title holder in Ifite Ogbeadiji Nnobi, Chief Afam Uzuagu, stakeholders and friends of the community, Chiefs John Ojukwu, Linus Umeh, Ikechukwu Azugo, Sunday Ezeoke; and the Woman President General of Nnobi, Lady Ifenyinwa Nnekwelugo.
Lady Nnekwelugo advised Ndigbo to embrace the celebration of the new yam and showcase it to the world to bring about development to their communities.
The President General of Nnobi, Barrister Dominicsavio Okpala and the Chairman of Ifite Ogbeadiji Nnobi, Comrade Stanley Izuegbunam, thanked God for a successful new yam celebration and asked Him for his blessings on Chief Ezeonu for all philanthropic gestures to the community.
Engineer Chukwudi Ogbuefi won the best farmer of the year. He attributed his bountiful harvest to his father who he said was his model farmer.
The ceremony featured cutting and communal eating of the roasted yam with local delicacies; presentation of awards to illustrious sons and daughters of the community; presentation of cash prizes to exceptional farmers of the year; and dance performances by different cultural troupes as well masquerades groups from Nnobi and neighbouring towns.
