Nine farmers of Awa community in Orumba North Local Government Area, have been empowered with cash by the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Israel Ezue.
The empowerment was the highlight of the 2023 New Yam festival of the community titled Otute Awa.
During the event which took place at the palace of the traditional ruler, Chief Nelson Amah whose yam came top, weighing fifty – one point nine kilograms winning the star prize of two hundred and fifty thousand naira, while Mrs. Chinyere Ibekwe, whose yam came second, weighing forty-seven point nine kilograms and won One hundred and fifty thousand Naira
Others won prizes ranging from hundred thousand naira to fifty thousand naira during the ceremony.
Speaking at the event , Igwe Ezue explained that the gesture was part of moves to encourage people to venture into agriculture in the community and called on the people to continue to support practicing farmers with cash and other facilities for enhanced yield, and described agriculture as the main stay of the economy before the advent of oil.
Ìgwè Ezue commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the construction of Amansea- Ndiukwuenu-Awa-Ufuma Road, which he said has helped in easy evacuation of agricultural produce from Awa and connected communities.
During their speeches, the town’s traditional Prime Minister, Professor Obiajulu Obikeze and President General of Awa Development Union, Chief Raymond Ofor elucidated the significance of the age-old celebration initiated by their fore fathers , urging the community to view it as an opportunity to strengthen unity and brotherhood.
Some Cabinet Chiefs, including Chief Okwuchukwu Okafor and Chief Ernest Okafor, emphasized that the annual celebration serves as a day of respite for farmers, fostering unity and peace within the community.
Joining in the community’s jubilation, Dr. Patrick Agbator from Awe Kingdom in Edo State, Chief Kingsley Kanu from Abia State and Igwe Alexander Azike the traditional ruler of Igbo-ukwu, urged community members to continue supporting the traditional ruler for further development.
The event included the conferment of Chieftaincy titles on distinguished individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the town’s development.
A onetime Majority leader. of Anambra State House of Assembly Sir Emeka Aforka, and Assistant Governor of Rotary International district 9142 Rotarian Abuchi Nwozor, traditional rulers and Cultural proponents were among those that attended the event
Highlights of the occasion featured the ceremonial cutting and consumption of roasted yam, masquerade displays and paying of homage to the traditional ruler.
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