The yam is regarded as the king of all crops in Igbo land. In the pre-colonial times, the measure of fame, strength and wealth of a man in Igbo land was based on the length, width, size, quantity and quality of a man’s barn. In Awa community, Orumba North Local Government Area, the same amount of respect is accorded to this important crop. There are species of yams that can be identified in Awa. They include Adaka, Mbuna, Abii, and Akirika.
For Ndi Awa, even before the staking of the yams in the barn, Otute festival will be celebrated. The Otute festival takes place in the last week of September every year. It is a festival that marks the eating of the new yam in the community and thanks God for a successful farming year. It is important to note that Otute is preceded by a small festival known as Nhusa-aro. Nhusa-aro allows Ndi Awa who could not wait till Otute to harvest and eat their yams. Nhusa arọ is very important become it marks the permission of the sale of yams at Afo Awa.
However, Nhusa arọ does not permit anyone to roast yam before Otute festival. Nhusa aro takes place between the fifteenth and twenty-fifth of August every year.
Typically, Otute-Awa starts on Eke day and last for six days. It is a period filled with activities, events and fun. Months or weeks before the start of Otute, loved ones including Awa daughters and their families, in-laws, friends and well wishers are invited to be part of the celebration. The roasting and eating of yams starts on the first Eke day. Some people do their roasting on the second day, Oye. Families are permitted to roast and eat yam with sauce prepared with ukpaka, utazi-vegetable, fresh palm oil, fresh pepper while some even use dry fish or meat to prepare the sauce to make it a delicacy to behold.
Families stay together to enjoy the roasted yams. Throughout the six days, activities such as wrestling, masquerading, dances of all types are normally on display. The compounds, community square, roads, streams and markets are cut, cleaned and repaired to make the town glitter in attraction and in readiness for the festival.
This year’s festival, though will be low-key in view of the prevailing security and economic situations in the country will not go without marking the following events:
Today, Friday, 29th September, 2023, being Eke, the entire town is expected to roast and eat yams in their respective extended families.
Then tomorrow, Saturday, 30th September, 2023, the Traditional ruler of Awa, Igwe Israel Okeke Ezue, Dike One of Awa, will perform the new yam eating ceremony in his palace with the Chiefs of the Town, friends and well-wishers. On this day too, the hospitality of the town will be made manifest. The traditional ruler will also confer Chieftaincy titles on some illustrious sons and daughters of the town for their doggedness in keeping the town united.
The members of the various villages led by their Chiefs will also show solidarity and loyalty to the Monarch through presentation of gifts.
The day will also feature farmers competition. First, second and third winners will go home with prizes. There will also be consolation prizes for other participants.
Traditional wrestling contest will also feature same day, being Oye with masquerades and dances performing on the third day and will continue till Afo day, third of October, 2023.
On Sunday, October 1, 2023, there will be thanksgiving service in all the churches in the town for peaceful and successful celebration.
The traditional ruler of Awa, Igwe Ezue, therefore, uses this medium to invite all and sundry to this celebration where the hospitality of the town will be showcased. It will also mark the first New Yam festival that Ndị Awa will celebrating a brand new tarred road which transverses Ufuma, Awa, Ndiukwuenu, Ndikpa, Ndiora and Amansea, made possible by our God-sent Governor, Professor Chukwuma C. Soludo, who decided to wipe our tears with the construction of the 26 kilometre road. Today, after so many decades of “Awa No Road”, we can proudly say “Awa New Road”. Words are inadequate to express our appreciation to Mr Governor.
Welcome you to Otute Awa 2023.
Written by PROF. OBIAJULU OBIKEZE
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