Some Traditional rulers of Ohuhu in Umuahia North Local Government Area have urged Leaders and stakeholders of Igbo extraction to actively promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo nation in order to prevent its extinction.
The appeal was made during the New Yam Festival celebrated by the Okaiuga Nkwoegwu people of Umuahia North Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, which took place at Central School, Okaiuga Nkwoegwu, Eze Nzenwata Mbakwe of Umuosu Nkwoegwu and Eze Paul Uzuegbu described the annual New Yam cultural festival as a strong tool for unity and peaceful coexistence.
The traditional rulers highlighted that the New Yam Festival is one of the oldest and most unifying traditions of the Igbo people, noting that it plays a crucial role in strengthening the social and cultural fabric of Ndigbo and affords them opportunity to thank God for a bountiful harvest.
The Royal Fathers underscored the importance of preserving the festival as a platform for community bonding, cultural expression, and collective development, urging stakeholders to ensure that such traditions are passed down to future generations.
They called for renewed efforts to ensure the survival of this age-old festival and expressed hope that the unity displayed during the event would continue to grow among the people.
Eze Paul Uzuegbu
While expressing gratitude to God for bringing the people together for the celebration, Eze Paul Uzuegbu described the occasion as a first if it’s kind and expressed hope that the spirit of unity would continue to grow among the Ohuhu people.
In his remarks, the Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Chief Victor Ikeji commended the people of Okaiuga Nkwoegwu for celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Ndigbo.
Chief Ikeji who stressed the need for unity and oneness among the Ohuhu people, promised to transform the Nkwoegwu market into a modern facility and directed the community to submit proposals for the project.
In his address a Veteran Journalist and President-General of the Okaiuga Nkwoegwu Improvement Union, Sir Uzomba Ekwuribe, expressed gratitude for the successful celebration of the festival after a 20-year hiatus.
“This event reminds us of the peace that has returned to the community.
“This unity and unification New Yam Festival used to take place here but for over twenty years, autonomous communities and villages celebrated their new yams in their various half and arenas“, Sir Ekwuruibe said.
He revealed plans for a multi-million naira community project and announced the donation of one hundred tubers of yam to women in each of the Nkwoegwu communities as palliative support.
The event which featured Traditional displays of masquerades, dances, Arts and competitions was attended by an array of dignitaries including the SA to the Governor on Ease of Doing Business, Barr. Agbonma Ukobasi.
