Yam, a staple food, occupies an exalted position in the life and socio-cultural miliue of Ndi Igbo. As farmers and agrarian people, Ndi Igbo celebrate yam as the king of all crops.
Yam cultivation is mainly the preoccupation of the men folk and any man that exhibits extraordinary prowess in yam farming is respected in Igboland and honored with the sobriquet “Di Ji”.
The annual new yam festival is universal in Igboland and communities hold this festival in high esteem and regard. Uke community in Idemili North Local Government is not an exception among communities that celebrate the annual Iwa Ji festival.
Iwa Ji Uke usually holds in the month of August every year with its attending preliminary activities. The hallmark of the event is the celebration by the traditional ruler of Uke, as a prerogative before other title holders, individuals, villages, groups and organizations that so wish take their turn.
Iwa Ji Uke in recent times has turned into a cultural fiesta, a sight to behold and an experience to relish. It has become a veritable occasion to celebrate the rich culture of Ndi Uke and re-emphasize the supremacy of the Almighty God through worship, praise and thanksgiving.
Iwa Ji Uke brings together Ndi Uke, both at home and in the diaspora; in-laws, Ndi Nwadiana, friends and well-wishers to celebrate with the royal father of Uke Ancient Kingdom and Ndi Uke in general.
Tomorrow, Saturday Uka Eke, August 19, His Royal Highness, Igwe Surv. Charles Chuma Agbala, Oranyelu the third, Igwe Uke shall perform the activities of the 2023 annual rites of Iwa Ji Uke from the Throne of Grace, the Royal Palace, Uruezeani-Uruabor Village Uke, in the company of a retinue of Uke traditional Palace Council members. The event shall be preceeded by a Holy Mass at 11am holding at the Palace before the commencement of traditional activities at 12 noon with 21 gun salute.
As usual, the event shall be an exhibition of the exciting socio-cultural vestiges of Uke community with royal homages to the Igwe by groups, villages, royal colleagues, Ndi Nwadiana, Umu Ada and well-wishers.
Igwe Oranyelu the third, the sponsor of this commentary, Sir and Lady Bonaventure Akobi, Dike Ezeghieze, join Ndi Uke world over to wish you many more years of wonderful celebrations.
Igwe Oranyelu the third, may your days be long on the Throne of Grace.
Written by UBAKA ONWUANIBE
Comments are closed for this post.