Yam is one of the staple foods and is accorded respect to by Ndi Igbo which is why communities in Igbo Land celebrate new yam festivals popularly known as Iwa ji every year.
No wonder the traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Benneth Emeka,Umueri Royal cabinet, Umueri Royal Assembly and the entire people of Umueri Oke-ebo kingdom over the weekend celebrated their 2020 New Yam Festival in a grand style as they thanked God for a bountiful harvest and prayed for the next farming season.
Njideka Okoye was there and reports that this year’s Iwa Ji Umueri held at the palace of Igwe Emeka was unique as automatic hand washing and sanitizing machines were kept at strategic places, wearing of face mask and other COVID-19 safety protocols were observed by people who came to share in the joy of the community.
Different groups including the Umuadas, the Duurus, youths, organizations, quarters, kindred, families and individuals in Umueri as well as business associates, traditional rulers, friends and well wishers of Umueri paid homage to Igwe Emeka.
While performing the ceremony of breaking of kola, the traditional ruler prayed for sustenance of lasting peace in Umueri for sustainable development and explained that the festival is to thank God for bountiful harvest and other good things in Umueri and later cut the new yam into three representing the three quarters in Umueri and shared it among them, namely Ezi, Ikenga and Invite Umueri while others and the invitees were presented with roasted yam and red oil garnished with traditional condiments.
In his remark, Chief Joseph Akwuobi commended Igwe Emeka noting that the event is a culture that promotes peace and brotherly love, thanking God for a successful festival while the traditional ruler of Aguleri, Eze Dr. Michael Idigo who noted that his presence shows that Aguleri and Umueri are now enjoying brotherly love and are pursuing things that will bring lasting peace in the two communities.
On their part, the Onowu Iyasele of the community,
Onowu Mike Ekweonu and the Palace Secretary Princess Ngozi Okoye, thanked God for giving them a God fearing leader who has brought positive changes to the community in the past few years.
The event earlier commenced with a church service and featured cultural displays, cutting of cake by Igwe Emeka and his cabinet among other displays.
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