Much have been written and discussed about new yam festival referred to in Igbo communities as “Ili Ji ovu”, “Ahajioku”, “Otite”, “Ilo Muo” or “Ifejioku” and the festival is perhaps the most important and symbolic among Ndigbo. Communities in Igbo land take out time to celebrate the age long tradition and annual ritual, around August and September every year which Umueri Oke-ebo Kingdom is no exception to.
Celebration of new yam festival is not without history for yam has come a long way. In the fifties, the world famous novelist and eminent Igbo son, Professor Chinua Achebe had eulogized yam, pointing out in his renowned book, “Things Fall Apart” that yam is venerated in Igbo land because of a number of reasons.
Celebration of new yam festival in Umueri is a time the community shows gratitude to God for enabling farmers in the land enjoy a good farming season and as well as ask God for a bountiful harvest the next farming season. It is also a time to foster peace, unity, oneness and brotherly love among Ndi Umueri as their sons and daughters from far and near return home for the celebration.
This is why Umueri is inviting all and sundry to the 2022 Iwa Ji Umueri tomorrow Saturday 17th September, 2022 by 12noon, commencing with a non-denominational church service at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Igwe Sir Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka, Igwe Oke-ebo the Second of Umueri Kingdom. The day will witness cutting of the new yam by Igwe Emeka and sharing it among the three quarters in Umueri namely; Ezi, Ikenga and Ivite Umueri.
Cultural music, dance, merry-making and other activities will take the centre stage as different groups, age grades, youths, the elderly, the Oluokala and Umuadas will take turns to display their dancing steps and pay homage to Igwe Oke-ebo. Dancers from other communities are also invited as a mark of hospitality of Umueri community.
Each year, Iwa Ji Umueri takes a new dimension. For instance, last year, it was the unveiling of Igwe Oke-ebo foundation known as Chinwatakweaku Foundation which focuses on empowering youths, the less privileged among others in education, as well as cooking competition by young girls from different quarters of Umueri, sponsored by Oche-Eze Umueri, Lady Chinwe Emeka, wife of the traditional ruler of Umueri.
Igwe Oke-ebo the Second of Umueri is a man of vision who always initiates new things to better the lives of Ndi Umueri for the development of the community. This year’s Iwa Ji Umueri will feature admission of new members into Umueri Royal Cabinet and conferment of chieftaincy titles on illustrious sons and daughters of Umueri and on some friends of Umueri from far and near, while traditional wrestling and second edition of Oche-Eze Cooking Competition will also take turns. Arrival of Igwe Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka, Igwe Oke-ebo the Second of Umueri to the Iwa Ji arena will be heralded by twenty-one gun shots salute.
As is his tradition to conclude his annual events with a thanksgiving service, Igwe Benneth Emeka accompanied by family members, Umueri General Assembly, Umueri Royal Cabinet and the entire good people of Umueri will on Sunday, September 18th, 2022, go for thanksgiving at the Cathedral Church of Saint Gabriel, Umueri by 10.00am.
On behalf of Umueri General Assembly (UGA), Onowu Iyasele Umueri, Umueri Royal Cabinet, Ndi Ichie Umueri, Ezi, Ivite and Ikenga Quarters of Umueri, Iyom Umueri, Umueri youths and the entire good people of Umueri, this is inviting men and women of good will, in-laws of Umueri, friends and well wishers and indeed all and sundry to the new yam festival, Iwa Ji Umueri 2022 to share in the joy of Igwe Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka, Igwe Oke-ebo the Second and the people of Umueri Kingdom.
To God be the glory.
Written by PRINCESS NGOZI OKOYE
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