Ezinato people of Enugwu-Agidi in Njikoka council area of Anambra state led by their traditional head, Chief Izuchukwu Okeke-Onyeocha popularly known as Ozo Ebubechukwuzo has celebrated their New Yam Festival with pomp and pageantry.
New Yam Festival is a very important annual event among Ndi Igbo which allows them to offer thanks to God for bountiful harvest while praying for better yield in subsequent planting season.
The people of Ezinato in Enugwu-Agidi were not left out in the celebration of the festival this year as their sons and daughters returned home from far and near for the event.
Customarily, the festival commenced with prayers and thanksgiving as the traditional head of the village, Chief Okeke-Onyeocha thanked God for his blessings and fruitfulness to the people of the land.
It was then followed by the Iwa Ji rites performed by Chief Okeke-Onyeocha which signifies the invitation of the members of the village to eat the newly-harvested yams, signaling the official commencement of the eating of the new yam in their various homes as demanded by culture.
SPEAKING at the event , the President General of Enugwu-Agidi community, Mr. Ebuka Onuora, pointed out that Enugwu-Agidi community is never in dispute and that the celebration is coming on the heels of the traditional new yam celebration by the Enugwu-Agidi traditional ruler Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche on 30th September 2023, after which community stakeholders, groups and families are allowed to wine and dine together in merriment and prayers for a bountiful harvest.
In separate interviews, the Traditional Prime Minister of Abagana, Chief Alfred Ozuha, and a stakeholder in the community, Sir Anthony Okafor said that the celebration of the new yam festival in Ezinato is important as a way to drive down the prayers and messages of the Traditional Ruler of the town, Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche and described Ozo Okeke-Onyeocha as a lover of peace who is committed to the progress and growth of every onye Ezinato.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion include the Managing Director, Anambra Broadcasting Service, Sir Chido Obidiegwu and the Director, Orpet Oil and Gas Chidi Nwakpadolu.
The festival featured traditional music and cultural dances .
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