The traditional ruler of Umuhu Ezechi Ancient Kingdom in Bende Local Government Area, HRM Eze Very Rev. Amb. Chigaemezu Onwuchekwa, Ezechiebulu XI, has used the occasion of his New Yam Festival celebration to call on the Abia State Governor to include his community, Umuhu Ezechi, in the list of rural roads budgeted for in the 2025 budget. He emphasized that the economic importance of the road cannot be overstated, as his people are predominantly farmers who need access to evacuate their farm produce.
Eze Chigaemezu also highlighted the community’s urgent need for basic amenities, including a functional healthcare center, potable water, electricity, and a police station.
The traditional ruler further appealed to the Senator representing Abia North, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, and the Member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, whom he described as his brothers, to come to their aid. He specifically called for the construction of the Umuhu Ezechi-Abiriba road, which is less than 3 kilometers in length.
Speaking further, Eze Chigaemezu noted that since his ascension to the throne on May 9, 2023, the light of Christ has shone upon the community through various initiatives such as empowerment programs, an eye care/medical outreach, and a football competition. He narrated the genealogy of the kingdom from its first Eze to his own reign as the eleventh, acknowledging the community’s tremendous challenges. He vowed to use his wealth of experience and God-given wisdom to reshape the community into a modern city.
The Eze thanked God for a bountiful harvest and for maintaining peace and security in the community this year. He prayed for divine protection, blessings, and provisions for all, especially as they celebrated this year’s New Yam Festival.
Preaching at the event on the topic “Attitude in Gratitude,” Rev. Daniel Wisdom Onwuchekwa of St. John’s Methodist Church, Nigeria, Ekebedi, explained that sometimes God does not receive our gratitude because of our attitude. Referring to Genesis Chapter 4, Verse 3, the clergyman stressed that for God to accept our gratitude, our attitude toward Him, as well as toward our fellow humans, in business, offices, and government projects, must change.
Contributing to the event, Ugo Eze Favour Ezinne Chigaemezu expressed her delight in standing beside Onye-Eze, noting that despite the challenges of the throne, those whom God calls, He equips with strength. She also praised the women of her community, describing them as submissive, understanding, and God-fearing. She stated that she has no difficulty mobilizing them for any women-related projects in the community. She prayed that none of them would die young but would live to fulfill their God-given destinies.
HRM. Eze Very Rev Chigaemezu and Ugoeze Favour Ezinne Onwuchekwa ( The Exechiebulu 11th of Umuhu ezechi ancient kingdom)
Also contributing, the Palace Secretary and President-General of Umuhu Ezechi Ancient Kingdom, Comrade Daniel O. C. Uguru, noted that they had gathered to join Ezechiebulu XI in celebrating the New Yam Festival in honor of God’s gift of fertility, abundance, progress, and a bountiful harvest this year. He added that proceeds from past events have been channeled into community projects such as purchasing mowing machines, generators, repainting the village hall, and providing scholarships to indigent members of the community.
The highlights of the event included the cutting of the roasted yam by the chief celebrants, HRM Eze Very Rev. Chigaemezu Onwuchekwa, alongside HRH Eze Uchendu Okorie, Ekwo IV of Akaekwo Uzuakoli and Chairman of the Bende Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Eze Sunday Emelike, Omaka III of Ozuitem, Hon. P. C. Mba, Ph.D., Ugo Bende, and other dignitaries.
The event climaxed with cultural displays from various groups in the community amidst pomp and pageantry.
