Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has commended the Chairman of the Abia State and South East Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Dr. Linus Nto Mbah, for promoting Igbo culture through the annual new yam festival.
Governor Otti gave the commendation on Saturday, during the 2026 IriJi festival of Eze Nto Mbah and the Ataigbo Ukwu Umuzomgbo Ihechiowa Autonomous community in Arochukwu Local Government Area.
The Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, expresse delight in identifying with the traditional ruler, his cabinet, subjects, and the entire community.
He stressed the need for citizens to return to agriculture, adding that Eze Mbah is leading by example in promoting agriculture in the state.
Governor Otti noted that time has come when there should be reward for hard work in the farming industry.
The Governor also described agricultural sector as a sector that would continue to receive great support of his administration to ensure food security and economic growth.
He further commended Eze Dr. Linus Mbah for championing agriculture and inspiring communities to revive farming traditions.
According to Governor Otti, Ndi Igbo are known for their farming business and lauded Eze Mbah for upholding this virtue of agriculture.
In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Ataigbo Ukwu Kingdom, Ihechiowa, Arochukwu LGA and Chairman Abia and South East Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Dr. Linus Nto Mbah, thanked Governor Otti for identifying with his community.
The monarch while noting the importance of new yam festival said that his people are farmers and reaffirmed his commitment to revitalise agriculture to ensure adequate food production.
“The New Yam Festival is not merely a cultural ceremony; it is a symbol of our identity, unity, gratitude, and respect for the values handed down to us by our ancestors.
“The yam as we all know, occupies a special place in the tradition and economy of our people. It represents dignity, prosperity, hard work, and the blessings that come from diligent labour in farming.
“The celebration of the New Yam Festival provides us, among other things, the opportunity to thank God Almighty for granting us a bumper harvest.
“As we celebrate this year’s New Yam Festival, I urge us continue to promote peace, love, hard work, and cooperation. Let us encourage our youths to value our cultural heritage while actively participating in agriculture, education, and other productive ventures that will secure the future of our community,” Eze Mbah stated.
He called on governments at all levels to support youths with incentives to attract them back to farming, describing agriculture as the bedrock of the nation’s economy.
The royal father thanked the Governor and all the invited guests for joining him in this year’s new yam festival.
“I use this opportunity to sincerely appreciate Your Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, CHIOMA NDI ABIA for your administration’s commitment to improving the lives of our people, especially those in the rural areas.
“We particularly express our profound gratitude for the provision of the access roads that connects our community to the town; where our agricultural produce could be sold”, Eze Mbah stated.
In a vote of thanks, the Prime Minister of the community, Chief Okorie Ndu, while highlighting the agricultural culture of the community, said the community was happy for a bumper harvest of the 2026.
Chief Okorie Ndu assured Governor Alex Otti and his cabinet of the sustained support of Ihechiowa and emphasised that his reelection in 2027 is not negotiable.
He thanked Eze Dr Linus Nto Mbah for his commitment in sustaining the culture of their community and all appreciated all the traditional rulers and other dignitaries for coming to identify with the AtaIgbo Ukwu Kingdom.
The colourful event which was chaired by the former Mayor of Arochukwu LGA, Chief Joe Ezearu, attracted the Obi of Onitsh, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe and Chairmen traditional rulers council of the South East tratraditional rulers, community leaders, and residents who celebrated the cultural heritage of the community, while various dancing groups were on ground to entertain the people.
