The rich cultural heritage and traditions of Ukwulu Community in Dunukofia Council Area was brought to the fore when the traditional ruler, Igwe Peter Uyanwa celebrated this year’s new yam festival.
The festival, used to thank God for his mercies and grace upon the land and bountiful harvest, attracted members of the agrarian community, top government officials, prominent citizens, including sons and daughters of the community.
Commemorated with a Holy Mass at Ezedik Palace Ukwulu, the Iwa Ji started with the tradition of removing old yams and receiving new ones while the monarch in company of his cabinet members danced round the arena exchanging pleasantries with their guests and other traditional rulers.
The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne noted that Iwa Ji remains a tradition in Igbo that showcases the Igbo Cultural Heritage to the world.
Mr. Nwabunwanne maintained that government will continue to promote Igbo Culture and Tradition and commended Igwe Uyanwa for his efforts in repositioning Ukwulu Community for better.
Performing the kolanut rituals, Igwe Uyanwa explained that they inherited the festival from their fore-fathers and it is geared towards promoting peace, unity, harmony and togetherness.
He lauded Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the massive inauguration of road re-construction in the state and named Amansea- Awba-Ofemili project as the most touching.
Igwe Uyanwa, while pledging the support of Ukwulu Community to the governor urged youths to learn a skill to earn a living.
On his part, the former Vice Chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Professor Fidelis Okafor, who is an indigene of the community, described Iwa Ji Ukwulu as symbolic with a lot of significance and called on Ndi Ukwulu to support and stand strongly with Igwe Uyanwa.
Earlier in a homily, Reverend Father Greg Ekeh said that the festival having started with a Holy Mass, signified that the community has the fear of God.
While the Parish Priest, Saint Aloysius of Gonzaga, Reverend Father Nicholas Okekeocha blessed the new yam, other side attractions added glamour to the festival.
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