The traditional ruler of Umuawulu in Awka South Local Government Area, Igwe Joel Egwuonwu has performed the 2023 new yam festival of the community with a reward to farmers and a student for their hard work.
The event was preceded by an all-night praise and thanksgiving on the eve of the festival which commenced with an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the palace of the traditional ruler.
The pavilion of the palace of Igwe Egwuonwu was filled with in-laws, friends and well-wishers from neighbouring communities who came to witness the ceremony.
Receiving his guests and people of Umuawulu Igwe Egwuonwu accompanied by his wife and members of his cabinet, thanked God for his love and protection and prayed for good health, growth, peace and bountiful harvest in years to come.
He expressed delight with the bountiful harvest while congratulating farmers who came tops in different categories.
Addressing the people of the town, the Anambra state Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji expressed satisfaction with the uniqueness of the celebration, pointing out that the state government is passionate about community cultural heritage and is making plans for a general new yam festival for all the communities in the state which will help in harnessing its tourism potential and stressed the need for peace and harmony in different communities.
For some cabinet members, including Chiefs Azubuike Ekweozor and Ikechukwu Nkala, the celebration attracts sons and daughters of the community from all over the world as it is a time to bond and share, encourage farmers and seek ways of preserving and protecting their rich cultural values.
They advised the youths of the community to embrace hard work especially farming and learning of handworks.
A farmer, Mrs. Elizabeth Ekemezie, Juliet Ezenwosu and a first class graduate of Microbiology, Mr. Chukwunonso Okeke who was rewarded for his academic excellence appreciated Igwe Egwuonwu for his love and desire for development of the community and prayed God to continue to bless and grant him good health in years to come.
The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, his deputy, Honourable Chukwuma Okoye, President-General, Building Materials Market Ogidi, Chief Jude Nwankwo, the Managing Director, Anambra Broadcasting Service, Sir Chido Obidiegwu, traditional rulers and members of the Clergy, among others attended the ceremony.
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