The outbreak of the deadly coronavirus pandemic and the death of some prominent persons of the Ibeku land,has in no small measure,affected this year’s New yam celebration ( Iriji),as indigenes of the land are celebrating in tears and in a very low key.
Speaking with the Traditional Prime Minister of Ibeku Land and the President, Council of Traditional Prime Ministers in Abia state, Royal High Chief Uche Akwukwuegbu, said unlike their usual celebration that used to be done elaborately, this year, due to the covid 19 pandemic and the death of some of their illustrious sons,Eze Dan Egbeogu,Chief Johnson Onuigbo, among others,the Ibeku people decided to bring their flag down and celebrate in a low key.
Chief Akwukwuegbu said that the Iriji festival is very important to all and sundry even Christians, as it is a way of thanking God for a successful harvest year, adding that anybody that has harvest,is suppose to celebrate the festival.
According to him, the reason the yam is being celebrated among others crops,is because, it is seen as the king of crops.
Narrating how the iriji festival started,the Prime Minister noted that the tradition was bequeathed to them by their fore fathers, stating that before now, the festival was called ‘Ihe Njoku’, which was characterised by fetish practices, adding that as they took over the tradition, they modernized and abolished some ill practices to accommodate everyone as well as christians.
However,he said the significance of the festival was enormous,as it helps to bring people together,thereby boosting unity among members of the land.
According to him, the iriji festival create an atmosphere for people of the marriageable age to meet and start a relationship which may eventually comminates into marriage,as well as make people to be physically fit, since the celebration entails people trekking from from distance to another, basking in the euphoria of the celebration.
While lamenting the effect of the covid 19 on the 2020 iriji celebration, Chief Akwukwuegbu, stated that apart from the pain of death which has made them to celebrate in a low key, the covid 19 has taught them how to observe a good personal hygiene of washing of hands regularly and keeping the environment clean, as well as cutting down on unnecessary spendings.
He added that if not for the covid 19, he would have spent nothing less than #1million for the celebration,but with the NCDC guidelines of restricted number of people in a particular place,the celebration is scanty, making him spend less.
The Prime Minister further advised the youth to observe strictly all the state government and NCDC covid 19 protocol while they celebrate, adding that they should ensure they observe a violence free festival.
Meanwhile, Chief Akwukwuegbu, wished Abians well on their 29th anniversary celebration, adding that the move to enact the Abia Charter of Equity as a Law, will among other things,give voice to the minority groups in the state,as well as entrench unity and progress in the state.
