New Yam Festival is a major ceremony that is universal among Ndigbo but it differs on how it is being celebrated in various communities.
David Okpokwasili captured how it is being cerebrated amongst the people of Amichi in Nnewi South Local Government area where it is called Ikpo Ji.
According to the report, Ikpo Ji Amichi, is an event where the new yam is presented before the Eke Amichi, the main feminine deity of the community.
The ceremony is performed by the Ezeana of Amichi before any other person including the traditional ruler of the community can celebrate the Iri Ji ceremony.
It is worthy of note that it is at the Iri Ji by the traditional ruler of Amichi which holds after the Ikpo Ji that the symbolic cutting of yam is performed.
At the Eke Amichi, the incumbent Ezeodinani Ndi Igbo, Ezeana Gab Umeoha, accompanied by Ezeana Chukwujekwu and others, sat in front of the Osisi Eke Amichi, facing the Eke Amichi deity and began to perform the ritual of praying over the yam.
They organized the ceremony to thank God for his support through the farming season, pray for prosperity and unity of the Land.
After the presentation of the symbolic yam prayers and declarations for the development of the community, next was the celebration and the paying of homage by different groups.
A member of the Odinani of Anaedo ancestral clan, from Nnewi, Chief Kenneth Anoliefo, charged Ndi Igbo to always protect, preserve and promote their rich cultural heritage.
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