The rich cultural heritage of Ndigbo were highly showcased over the weekend at Isuofia in Aguata local government area, when Members of the prestigious Nze na Ozo society of the community celebrated their 2024 New yam festival in a grand style.

 

The ceremony which took place at the family compound of the Head of the society, Chief Patrick Ifionu was attended by the traditional Ruler of Isuofia Igwe Christopher Muoghalu, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Market and Trade, Chief Evaristus Uba who is a member of the society, among others.

Speaking during the event, the traditional Ruler of Isuofia, Igwe Christopher Muoghalu described New yam festival as a revered ceremony in Igbo land during which appreciation is given to God for all his blessings and Mercy to mankind, especially during harvest.

 

Igwe Muoghalu who advised Ndigbo not to allow their rich cultural heritage to wane, cautioned the people to desist from seeing New Yam festival as fetish and commended members of Nze na Ozo society of Isuofia for all their efforts aimed at sustaining the rich cultural heritage of the community, urging them not to relent.

The Head of Nze na Ozo society of Isuofia, Chief Patrick Ifionu, who spoke extensively on the significance of the festival, called on the Governors of the South East region and Ohaneze Ndigbo to find a way to unify the celebration of the New Yam festival across Ndigbo communities on a single day, as it would be a crucial step towards taking the festival to the international community and fostering greater bond and fraternity among Ndigbo.

 

Contributing, the Deputy Head of Nze na Ozo Isuofia, Chief Godwin Okafor, described culture as people’s way of life and called for the abolition of harmful traditional practices that negate human existence.

Chief Okafor, an Industrialist used the opportunity to call for the proper enlightenment of the people of Igbo extraction on the need to always promote their culture and tradition by attitude, dressing and delicacies.

 

For Chief Ikechukwu Udogu, celebration of New yam festival promotes peaceful Coexistence in addition to bringing unity and development, and made a strong case for the compulsory teaching and learning of Igbo language and culture to save it from going into extinction.

 

In an interview, a one-time Vice Chairman of the All progressives Grand Alliance APGA in Anambra South Senatorial District, Chief Titus Anigbogu described Isuofia as a community that always revere their culture and tradition and charged various Communities across Igbo land to emulate such.

The ceremony which was also attended by the traditional Prime Minister of Isuofia Chief Ndubuisi Oselle, the President General of Isuofia people’s Assembly Chief Fidelis Okafor, featured masquerade displays, ufie music dance by the Nze na Ozo society of Isuofia, as well as eating of the roasted Yams with local ingredients.

 

 

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