It was a moment of joy, merriment and celebration of culture as the people of Ukwulu in Dunukofia Local Government Area converge for the celebration of their Iwa Ji festival.

Correspondent Kenechukwu Chukwudi reports that the atmosphere at the Palace of the traditional ruler of Ukwulu, Igwe Peter Uyanwa was jubilant and joyous, as many gathered from far and near to celebrate the community’s New Yam festival with the traditional ruler.

Igwe Uyanwa who noted that Ukwulu is a blessed community, thanked God for the year’s rich harvest, explaining that yam in Igbo culture is a crop with deep significance, which God has made it so.

The President General of Ukwulu Town Union, Mr. Chris Uba explained that Ukwulu people are known farmers and celebrating the New Yam is an important annual celebration, thanking the traditional ruler for fostering unity in the community.

A former Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Professor Fidelis Okafor opined that the culture of celebrating New Yam was handed over by the generations past, with deep cultural significance which the younger generation will also get hold of while Professor Steve Ikwunelu, who is the President General of Nze na Ozo Dunukofia, said yam signifies immortality and celebrating it is to thank God for rich harvest, as the Igbo culture will keep waxing strong.

Others who spoke at the event, a cabinet member Chief Ikechukwu Akaeze, Mr. Uche Egbebuike and Onyebuchi Anagor said the celebration of New Yam unites the community and brings development and progress.

The event climaxed with the cutting of the New Yam by Igwe Uyanwa, paying of homage by villages, groups, friends and well-wishers, including masquerade display.