Emetu: Days of Darkness in Ohafia Coming to an End
Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has assured the people of Ohafia that electricity supply will be restored in ohafia within short period, declaring that the days of darkness in the ancient kingdom are over.
Emetu gave the assurance on Saturday, October 31, 2026, while addressing indigenes and guests at the 2026 Iri Ji Ohamoha Ohafia (New Yam Festival), held at Central School Play Ground, Elu Ohafia, Abia State.
The Deputy Governor, who expressed happiness at the large turnout of Ohafia sons and daughters, said the state government was committed to addressing the electricity challenge in the area, assuring that Ohafia would soon be illuminated again.
He clarified that the occasion was not a political campaign but a cultural celebration, noting that the campaign for the 2023 governorship election ended when the present administration came on board on May 29, 2023.
Emetu thanked the people of Ohafia for their continued support for Governor Alex Otti and his administration, adding that he expected the people to support the political party of their son who occupies the position of Deputy Governor.
He declared that Ohafia people had the power to determine their political future, stressing the importance of their collective support and unity.
The Deputy Governor also announced plans by the state government to promote yam production in Ohafia, expressing concern that the people should not continue to depend on yams purchased from other communities to celebrate their traditional New Yam Festival.
He said that, henceforth, the government, in collaboration with Labour Party members, would support the various communities in Ohafia to produce their own yams for the annual celebration.
According to him, each community has its traditional Ndi Eze Ji, who would receive government support, while a committee would be established to supervise the programme and monitor the progress of yam cultivation.
Emetu further disclosed that the state government would undertake land delineation and provide tractors to support mechanised yam farming in the communities.
He added that communities that distinguished themselves in yam production by the 2027 celebration would receive awards as part of efforts to encourage agricultural development and make Ohafia a major yam-producing centre in the state.
The Deputy Governor also announced that the government would soon commence the distribution of yam seedlings to farmers to boost production.
He conveyed Governor Otti’s message to the people, assuring them that the governor remained firmly committed to the development of Ohafia.
“Alex Otti, my boss, asked me to tell you that he is solidly behind the people of Ohafia,” he said.
In his remarks, the Udumeze of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom and Chairman, Ohafia Council of Monarchs, His Royal Paramountcy, Elder Ezie Awa Oji Udonsi, thanked God for the year’s bountiful harvest and commended farmers for their contributions to food production.
He said the festival was being celebrated with renewed joy and hope, noting that agricultural produce from the communities was finding appreciable value in the markets while roads leading to various communities had become more motorable.
The monarch also expressed satisfaction with the prevailing peace in Ohafia, despite the general security challenges in the country, and urged the people to sustain unity, love and cooperation for the overall development of the ancient kingdom.
He commended the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, for supporting meaningful projects and programmes in Ohafia since his emergence, while also appreciating other illustrious sons of the area for their contributions to the success of the festival.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Sunny Mbila, described the Iri Ji Ohamoha as an important cultural institution that promotes unity, preserves the heritage of the people and provides an opportunity for thanksgiving to God for a successful harvest.
He urged traditional rulers and community leaders to sustain the cultural values and hospitality for which Ohafia people were known, while encouraging greater cooperation among the various communities.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ezieogo Mecha Ugbu Mecha, said the annual festival marked the conclusion of the new yam celebrations across the communities that make up the Ohafia Ancient Kingdom.
He explained that the celebration provided an opportunity for the people to showcase their cultural heritage through traditional dances, masquerades, indigenous cuisines and other cultural performances.
The festival attracted a large gathering of Ohafia sons and daughters from within and outside the country, as well as friends, government officials and other dignitaries. Highlights included colourful masquerade displays, traditional dances and performances by various cultural groups.
The celebration also featured the traditional sharing and eating of roasted new yam, known as Iwa Ji, symbolising thanksgiving, hospitality and the people’s appreciation of their rich agricultural and cultural heritage.
