Written By: Princess Ngozi Okoye

All roads will lead to Umueri in Anambra East local Government on Saturday, September 21, 2019 as Igwe Sir Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka, JP, Oke-ebo the second of Umueri celebrates the 2019 Umueri New yam Festival. The New Yam Festival has a long history in Igboland. It is as old as farming.  

Of all crops such as cassava, maize, potato, cocoyam and the like, Yam is the most regarded by Ndigbo, hence, it is the king of all crops.

Farming, generally, is perceived as a symbol of hard work in Igbo land, but yam farming is seen as a measure of wealth in traditional Igbo society. Yam is a masculine (agricultural) crop and consequently accorded a pride of place similar to the kind of respect given to distinguished men folk.

Celebration of the new yam in Umueri is an expression of gratitude to God for a good farming season and bountiful harvest and more to ask for his grace and protection for the next farming season. How is the new yam festival conducted, one may ask?

In spite of the advent of modernity, the essence of the new yam festival is still retained in Umueri. The traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Sir Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka, after prayers, will cut a tuber of yam into four, representing the four quarters in Umueri and share it to them through their quarter chairmen or elders.        

The highlights of Umueri New Yam celebration include the cutting of roasted yams by the traditional ruler, sharing of this product among the people present at the occasion and the eating of yams with red oil and other traditional condiments.

Cultural music, dancing and merrymaking accompany this ceremony. Different groups, such as age grades, youths, the elderly, umuada as well as traditional wrestling, take turns to display their dancing steps in gratitude for a good farming year. The Umueri Royal Cabinet, the Umueri General Assembly and the entire Umueri community will turn out in large numbers for the celebration.

Dignitaries like the number one Citizen of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Dr Willie Maduaburochukwu Obiano (Akpokuedike global, Ogbun’echendo Umueri), and other top government officials, traditional rulers of different communities, neighbours, in-laws of Umueri, friends and well wishers are all expected on Saturday this week, September 21, 2019 at the palace of Igwe Sir Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka, Oke-ebo the second of Umueri, along Igwe Emeka road, Umueri.

You are all welcome to this year’s edition of Umueri New Yam Festival, which starts with church service by 12 noon at the palace. We look forward to seeing you as adequate preparations have been made to properly entertain you. Come and witness the uniqueness of new yam festival of Umueri Oke-ebo kingdom.

There will be a thanksgiving service on Sunday, September 22, 2019, to round off the Umueri 2019 New Yam festival by Igwe Oke-ebo the second, His Royal cabinet and indeed the entire Umueri community and friends by 10am at the Cathedral Church of Saint Gabriel, Umueri.

Umueri… Oke-Ebe! To God be the glory.

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