Yam, one of the staple foods, held at a very high esteem, is the reason why communities in Igbo Land celebrate Iwa ji, to usher in the New Yam.

 

Following this tradition, the traditional ruler of Umueri Community, Igwe Benneth Emeka, Umueri Royal Cabinet, Umueri General Assembly and the entire people of Umueri Oke-ebo Kingdom celebrated their 2022 New Yam Festival in a grand style as they thanked God for a bountiful harvest and prayed for the next farming season.

This year’s Iwa Ji Umueri, held at the palace of Igwe Emeka, was unique as some illustrious sons and daughters, including the President General, Umueri General Assembly, Chief Johnny Metchie, some friends and neighbours of Umueri Community, including the wife of the former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Ebelechukwu Obiano were conferred with chieftaincy titles.

 

While new members were admitted into the Umueri Royal Cabinet, nineteen cabinet members were also elevated to High Chief status known as Ndi Ichie Umueri by Igwe Emeka.

Dignities from far and near, including traditional rulers led by their chairman, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Managing Director of the Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, Sir Chido Obidiegwu, industrialists, business associates, among others came to share in the joy of Igwe Emeka and the people of Umueri.

 

Different groups, including the Umuadas, the Duurus, youths, kindred, and families in Umueri paid homage to Igwe Oke-ebo.

Igwe Emeka while performing the kola ritual, prayed for lasting peace and sustainable development in the community, followed by the cutting of the new yam into three pieces representing Ezi, Ikenga and Ivite, the three quarters of the community while others were presented with roasted yam with local sauce.

 

The Umueri Monarch, who commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Transport, Honourable Patricia Igwebuike for his good works in Anambra State, thanked God for the relative peace between Umueri and its neighbours.

The Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Honourable Don Onyenji and his Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs counterpart, Honourable Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne in their separate speeches noted that Iwa ji Umueri portrayed the features of Igbo culture and described it as unique.

 

On their parts, the Aka-Eze Umueri, Ichie Charles Orimili-Ogugua and one of the royal cabinet members, Chief Egbuna Okechi said Iwa ji Umueri signifies arrival of new yam as well as a time to thank God for bountiful harvest.

The Chairman, Umueri Iwa ji 2022 and the cabinet secretary, Umueri Royal Cabinet, Chief Princess Ngozi Okoye, thanked God for giving them a God fearing leader, who has brought positive changes to the community adding that the cultural event aims to promote peace and brotherly love.

 

In their separate remarks, the Director, News and Current Affairs Department, ABS, Mr. Gab Okpaleze and a business associate of Igwe Emeka, Comrade Mac-Pee Aniekwe described yam as the king of all crops in Igbo land and extolled the leadership qualities of Igwe Emeka.

The event, which commenced with a church service, presided over by Bishop’s representative, Venerable Ikechukwu Ikele and the Cathedral Archdeacon, Venerable Akachukwu Ikedilo featured a special prayer session for Anambra State, Igwe Emeka , his cabinet and Ndi Umueri in general.

 

Cultural displays, Oche-Eze cooking competition among others featured during the Iwa Ji.

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