The traditional ruler of Ifite-Ogwari, Igwe Alphonsus Ofuebe has Celebrated the Annual New Yam festival, as sons, daughters and prominent members of the community joined to mark the event with prayers.

 

It was an atmosphere of joy and merriment as sons, daughters and prominent personalities of Ifite Ogwari gathered at the palace of the traditional ruler of the community for this year’s New Yam festival.

According to the traditional Prime Minister of the Community, Chief Ifechukwu Nweke, the New Yam festival is called ‘Igba Ji’ in Ifite-Ogwari dialect and depicts something big, as it is a period to thank God for a bountiful harvest.

Chief Nweke emphasized that it is a big celebration for the community and thanked God for the gift of life for the traditional ruler and his subjects.

 

Igwe Ofuebe during the breaking of Kolanut, thanked God for his blessings upon the community, praying for better things to come and progress for every individual and their means of livelihood.

The Palace Secretary, Chief Oliver Nweke explained that the celebration is an annual event, which the traditional ruler as the custodian of culture and tradition celebrates to thank God for his blessings and also an avenue to showcase the culture of the community.

 

The Deputy President-General of the Community, Mr. Sunday Ekwunife who expressed joy for the day, said they were happy to identify with their traditional ruler and prayed for blessings upon the sons and daughters of the community.

Others who spoke on the day, including Chief Mbanefo Anaekwe, a cabinet member, Mr. Idowu Enebeli, a youth leader in Anambra North and Mr. Chris Nebolisa, a youth leader in Ifite-Ogwari noted that the event promotes conviviality amongst the people.

 

The event climaxed with the cutting of New Yam by Igwe Ofuebe, paying of homage by different groups, display by masquerades and dance by the traditional ruler and his cabinets.