Yam is venerated as the King of all crops in Igboland by Ndigbo which is why they celebrate and accord it so much respect.
No wonder the traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Benneth Emeka, Umueri Royal Cabinet, Umueri General Assembly and the entire people of Umueri Oke-ebo kingdom in Anambra East Local Government Area celebrated their 2023 New Yam festival in a grand style.
This year’s Iwa Ji Umueri held at the palace of Igwe Oke-ebo the second was unique as some friends of Umueri and prominent Ndi Anambra who have contributed to human and societal development were conferred with chieftaincy titles.
Dignitaries from far and near including traditional rulers of different communities, industrialists and business associates among others also came to share in the joy of Igwe Emeka and the people of Umueri.
Different groups, Umuada, Ndi Duuru, youths, organizations, quarters, kindreds, families and individuals in Umueri as well as business associates, traditional rulers, friends and well-wishers of Umueri paid homage to Igwe Emeka.
Igwe Emeka while performing the ceremony of breaking of kola prayed for sustenance of lasting peace in Umueri for sustainable development, emphasizing that the festival is to thank God for bountiful harvest and other good things in Umueri for the year.
The Umueri monarch who commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his development strides in the state especially for granting free education to pupils of primary schools and students of secondary schools from JSS 1 to JSS 3, urged parents to use the opportunity to train their children in school.
The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo and her Education counterpart, Professor Ngozi Chuma- Udeh represented by a Senior Education Officer in Otuocha Zone, Mr. Charles Odife noted that Ịwa Ji Umueri is always unique due to the personality of Igwe Emeka while urging women to work towards the promotion of their culture.
Some members of the Igwe’s cabinet, including Chief Egbuna Okechi, Chief Sunday Eluemuno and the Chairman 2023 Iwa Ji Umueri, Chief Eugene Aghaebe said that yam is the major crop they have and celebration of Ịwa Ji Umueri each year signifies the arrival of the new yam and good tidings.
Also, other speakers at the event including Lady Nkiru Enemuo commended the Umueri Monarch for the way he is piloting the affairs of the community.
The event earlier commenced with a non-denominational church service where prayers were said for Anambra state, Igwe Emeka, his cabinet and Ndi Umueri.
Cultural displays, masquerading, traditional wrestling among other displays featured during the festival.
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