The people of Umuawulu in Awka South Local Government Area over the weekend converged on the palace of their traditional ruler, Igwe Joel Egwuonwu, to celebrate this year’s new yam festival.

The event featured various traditional activities, Including masquerade and traditional dances, which entertained the guests from within and outside the community.

The event, which attracted traditional rulers from other communities in the State, cultural proponents, women groups and youths, also featured immunization of children between the ages of zero to five years against some childhood killer diseases.

Speaking during the event, Governor Willie Obiano represented by the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters Mrs Vera Okonkwo, commended traditional rulers in the state for preserving the rich cultural heritage of the State, promising that his government will continue to support them to sustain the Igbo norms and values.

Felicitating with the people of Umuawulu, the Member representing Anambra Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Victor Umeh, said he was at the event to identify with Igwe Egwuonwu who he described as humble and trustworthy.

The Deputy-Speaker of the State House of Assembly and Member representing Awka South Constituency Two, Sir Harfford Oseke who hails from the town expressed joy that lasting peace has returned to the area since Igwe Egwuonwu assumed office as their traditional ruler and
urged the people of the community to always support what will promote the growth and development of the community.

Performing the ceremony, Igwe Egwuonwu who appreciated God for the gift of yam which he said is highly revered among the Igbos said agriculture has received a lot of attention under the Obiano
administration which according to him has been yielding positive results.

Also speaking, the President-General of the community, Chief Iyke Nkala, noted that the festival affords them the opportunity of socializing with each other after a long period of farming.

The event featured presentation of prizes of various categories to farmers whose yams produce took first, second and third positions in a competition.