Yam which is one of the staple foods in the sub Saharan Africa is adored and celebrated by Ndi Igbo.
The traditional ruler of Nawfija, Igwe Clifford Okeke, his Cabinet Chiefs and the entire people of Nawfija in Orumba South LGA recently rolled out the drums to celebrate New Yam Festival.
The Central School field Eke-Nawfija, venue for the new yam celebration wore a festive mood as sons and daughters of Nawfija, and their guests gathered to ceremoniously eat the new yam.
People from all walks of life, including government functionaries, industrialists, traditional rulers from different communities of the state and beyond including, Igwe Christopher Okpala of Akwaeze, his Nanka counterpart, Igwe Godwin Ezeilo, among others.
The ancient tradition of Nawfija was alive, as masquerading, cultural dances and other traditions of the community were displayed, while the masquerades were also entertained with cockerels and pots of palm wine.
There was ceremonial preparation of a barn with tubers of yam, artistically tied to the storage stakes.
A giant pot filled with upwine was placed at the centre, from which all that attended the festival were served.
Nawfija community also used the opportunity to celebrate the outing of new age grade in the town called Akubike age grade.
There was also an exhibition of yam produce by farmers in the community and those who took the first, second and third positions go home with a refrigerator, DVD home theatre system and standing industrial fans respectively.
The prizes were sponsored by Chief Dennis Nnebedum who they say has been doing it for the past five years.
Governor Willie Obiano, represented by the Agric Commissioner, Mr Afam Mbanefo advised them to key into a new land management system whereby land is reserved and used for agriculture for a specific period to create agro business environment for youths. UP SOT
Igwe Okeke, who performed the symbolic breaking of kola nut, later cut the new yam into four and shared to the four villages in Nawfija through the king makers from the villages.
The President General Nawfija Progressive Union, Engineer Francis Onyebuchi and the Provost Federal College of Education Technical Umunze, Dr Mrs Thessy Okoli commended the traditional ruler of the community for his good works in the community while the chairman organising committee Chief Pius Ike-Onyemaeme, the Secretary Honourable Sebastian Nwankwo and Chief Cosmos Nwafor said the festival helps to promote peace and unity amongst the members of the community and thanked God for granting them good harvest.
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