Many communities in Igboland, especially in Anambra state, are showing resilience in the protection and preservation of the rich cultural heritage of Ndi Igbo.
One of the communities is Ifite Ogbeadiji Ebenesi Nnobi in Idemili South Council Area which celebrated their maiden communal New Yam Festival sponsored by a philanthropist from the community, Chief Emeka Ezeonu.
The ceremony was attended by the traditional ruler of Nnobi, lgwe Engineer Nick Obi, members of hid cabinet and other renowned chieftaincy title holders in the community.
The six kindreds that make up Ifite Ogbeadiji: Umuezeobi, Umuezeneke, Umuezeanya, Umuezenwaka, Umuodogu and Odukwe were dressed in colourful attires during the ceremony.
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The traditional ruler of Nnobi, lgwe Obi, said the New Yam Festival known in the community as “Ashiaolu” as an annual event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nnobi and serves as a way for members of the community to appreciate God for successful harvest while encouraging Nnobi people to embrace culture as a way of promoting Love, peace, unity and progress
Speaking during the event, the sponsor, beckoned on Ndigbo to come together and choose a single date to celebrate the new yam festival across the South East region as a way to make the celebration a tourist attraction.
Some of the dignitaries who spoke to the our reporter include the Transition Committee Chairman of Idemili South Council Area, Mrs Amaka Obi; the oldest title holder in Ifite Ogbeadiji Nnobi, Chief Afam Uzuagu, stakeholders and friends of the community, Chiefs John Ojukwu, Linus Umeh, Ikechukwu Azugo, Sunday Ezeoke; and the Woman President General of Nnobi, Lady Ifenyinwa Nnekwelugo, advised Ndigbo to embrace the celebration of the New Yam and showcase it to the world to bring about development to their communities.
The President General of Nnobi, Barrister Dominicsavio Okpala and the Chairman of Ifite Ogbeadiji Nnobi, Comrade Stanley Izuegbunam, thanked God for a successful new yam celebration and asked him for his blessings on Chief Ezeonu for all philanthropic gestures to the community.
Engineer Chukwudi Ogbuefi was named the best farmer of the year in Ifite Ogbeadiji Nnobi.
The ceremony featured cutting and communal eating of the roasted yam with local delicacies; presentation of awards to illustrious sons and daughters of the community; presentation of cash prizes to exceptional farmers of the year; and dance performances by different cultural troupes and masquerades groups from Nnobi and neighbouring towns.
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