New yam festivals are times when people appreciate God for the gift of life as well as the bountiful harvest.
To Ndi Enugwu Nanka in Orumba North Local Government Area, it was a time to express gratitude to God and their ancestors, and to equally remind them that they are starting a new year.
The Ezeokweghi- Ezeofor palace in Enugwu Nanka was decorated to fit the festival with various artifacts.
All the kindreds that make up the village arrived in their numbers to be part of the event where the first son of the late Igwe Gilbert Ofomata, Prince Chijioke Ofomata, prayed for long life, multiplication, bumper harvest, good health and many blessings upon the people.
The event kicked off when Prince Ofomata, flanked by cabinet members, danced to a royal drum round the arena .
Soon after, Prince Ofomata performed the symbolic cutting and eating of the new yam as he called on God and their ancestors to watch over them.
With that done, other kindreds followed as different types of dishes and assorted drinks were served.
Speaking to the ABS, a senior cabinet member from Enugwu Nanka, who is a son of Ezeokweghi-Ezeofor royal clan, Chief Jacob Enemuo thanked God that they are alive to witness this year’s new yam festival, praying for bumper harvest in the coming year.
Chief Enemuo, who was given an award at the event for giving scholarships and jobs to their children and beyond over the years, said that the award has spurred him to do more for his people and prayed to God to bless Nanka land.
On his part, Prince Ofomata, a pharmacist by profession who was also given an award for giving their people, the best medical services at all times, said that nothing is as good as being together with one’s kit and kin, adding that it rejuvenates the spirit of unity, love and understanding among brothers as is the case with descendants of Ezeokweghi-Ezeofor dynasty.
Prince Ofomata commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for all he is doing in the areas of road construction, urging him not to give in to distractions, but to remain focused so as to deliver on all his promises to Ndi Anambra.
Another son of the Ezeokweghi-Ezeofor royal family, Prince Chinedu Enemuo said that he had to travel from far to be part of the new yam festival in order to participate in the royal prayers offered to God and their ancestors, even as he prayed for every onye Enugwu Nanka to be blessed beyond measures.
The chairman on the occasion, Barrister Odinaka Obiorah while thanking God for bountiful harvest this year, urged them to always be upright and stand up for their rights.
Egedege Awgbu and Mmanwu na asaa entertained people during the festival.
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