The biblical quote, “silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I will give you” was exhibited again this year by the Parish Priest, Holy family Catholic church, Akpo in Aguata Local Government Area, Reverend Father Philip Okoye as he gave out big tubers of yam to the aged and the less privileged people in his parish during his annual yam exhibition called “Come see yams”
for the past seven years, Reverend Father Okoye, the originator of Philoko method of farming, ventured into farming when he was the Parish Priest of Holy Cross Catholic Church Obeledu, has been feeding the aged in every parish he is posted to.
In his usual Philoko method of farming, Father Philip harvests the biggest tubers of yam in the communities including Nanka, where he also served, because of his method of farming which makes even unfertile soil to be fertile.
As usual, he did the farm and having harvested them, decided to give out to the aged and this time around, introduced auction sales on some of the yams to raise money to build secretariat for his parish.
Before giving out the tubers of yam, he fed his parishioners with the new yam as the traditional ruler of Akpo kingdom, Igwe Jonathan Okpalaezecha performed the traditional cutting of the new yam.
While the entertainment was on, the auction sales commenced where the biggest yam which weighed one hundred and twelve kilograms was sold for three hundred thousand naira.
Earlier at a homily during a mass, officiated by the Vice Chancellor Peter University, Achina, Reverend Father Emmanuel Umezinwa, the Director, Pontifical Mission Society, Ekwulobia Diocese, Reverend Father Festus Okoye, said that Christ came for all, therefore, they should walk and act in confidence and not to make themselves weak and inferior since Christ has redeemed them.
Some notable individuals who came from Obeledu and other parts of the state including a one-time Commissioner for Works in Anambra state Architect Callistus Ilozumba, Mrs Theresa Okoli, Chiefs Uchenna Okpalakwe and Okey Okpalaobi said that gestures like this are rare and appreciated Reverend father Okoye for the initiative and for teaching the children the method of farming which they described as a major game changer in agriculture and in improving the economic status of the state.
For Reverend Father Okoye, it gives him satisfaction and fulfilment to see that people are fed from the work of his hands, even as he returned the glory to God and to his mother Mrs Josephine Okoye whom he said exposed him and his siblings to farming at a very tender age.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to the ABS prayed for multiple blessings upon him while cultural dance by children of the parish added colour to the event.
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