The Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has underscored the cultural and symbolic importance of yam in Igbo tradition, describing it as the “chief crop” that represents all other farm produce and embodies the virtues of hard work, abundance, and gratitude to God.
Engr. Emetu made the remarks during the 2025 Ohafia New Yam Festival (Iri Ji Ohamoha) held at Achichi, Elu Ohafia, in Ohafia Local Government Area.
He expressed profound gratitude to God for another fruitful farming season. He noted that the annual celebration signifies not only the end of a successful agricultural year but also the dawn of renewed progress and development across the ancient Ohafia clan.
Engr. Emetu commended the Council of Ohafia Monarchs, led by His Royal Paramountcy, Eze Elder Awa Oji Udonsi, Udumeze of Ohafia and Chairman, Ohafia Council of Monarchs, for their unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Ohafia land.
He also lauded the 2025 Iri Ji Ohamoha Planning Committee for their diligence and organizational excellence, as well as the entire Ohafia community for their continuous support for the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
According to the Deputy Governor, the present administration remains firmly committed to rural development, cultural renaissance, and infrastructural renewal across Abia State.
In his Address, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Prince Kalu Ikpemini, described the Iri Ji Ohamoha as a sacred tradition and one of the most important cultural celebrations in the Ohafia Ancient Kingdom. He said the festival reflects the strength, resilience, and unity of the people — a community proud of its heritage, hardworking by nature, and guided by the legacy of its ancestors.
Chief Ikpemini also praised Dr. Alex Otti for his exemplary leadership and commitment to good governance, highlighting the restoration of electricity to Ohafia after six years and the reconstruction of the Ohafia Central Daily Market (Afo Nkwo). He further commended the Udumeze of Ohafia and the Council of Monarchs for their wisdom, guidance, and dedication to preserving the rich cultural heritage of their people.
Also speaking, the Ebiri of Elu, the Udumeze of Ohafia, and Chairman of the Council of Monarchs, His Royal Paramountcy, Eze Elder Awa Oji Udonsi, said this year’s New Yam Festival highlights the council’s deep cultural unity and shared heritage. He emphasized that the celebration reflects collective identity and harmony, rather than the divisive political displays of the past.
He explained that the yam holds symbolic importance as the chief crop representing all farm produce and a sign of abundance. The monarch also commended Governor Dr. Alex Otti for his efforts in restoring electricity to Ohafia, which he described as a significant step toward community development.
