Traditional head of Ubahu Okija in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, Engr. Otis Anyaeji, Chairman and CEO of O.T. Otis Engineering Limited, celebrated the 2024 New Yam Festival as part of his annual traditional rites to give thank to God.
The event attracted dignitaries from various walks of life who came to support the Obi Onowu Il. The ceremony, successfully hosted by Engr. Anyaeji, featured a live band, cultural performances by women, and masquerades display.
The celebration also included the installation of several individuals to traditional titles, including Deacon Francis Ibeneme, now known as Odua I of Ubahu Okija, and Rev. Augustine Emegwa, now known as Ogene Ubahu Okija, among others.
Addressing the guests on the occasion, Obi Onowu Il, a consultant engineer and former President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, expressed his joy over the festivities in his hometown. He emphasized that the day was set aside to thank God for His blessings and protection throughout the farming season, celebrating their bountiful harvest, which will sustain them until the next planting season.
He described yam as the king of all crops. He commended the guests who traveled from different parts of the country to celebrate with him and expressed gratitude to the people of Ubahu Okija for their unwavering support, praying for their good health and prosperity.
Obi Onowu Il also urged everyone, especially the youth including government workers to engage in agriculture, highlighting the importance of the sector.
Commenting on the event, Chief Dominic Onyejemeni (Chinyelugo Okija), Chairman of the Obi in Council, and Chief Eugene Edochie (Ozoigbondu), President General of Ubahu Okija, described the occasion as wonderful and thanked all for their contributions, praying for God’s blessings upon everyone.
Similarly, Prince Moses Obianebo Mbamaonyeukwu Okija, Vice President of the Okija Progressive Union, and Mr. Chika Calistus Obika (aka Alisa Okija), Vice Youth President, praised Obi Onowu Il as an educated leader whom God is using for greater work in Ubahu Okija. They prayed for his continued blessings for the betterment of their village and appealed to the government for more job opportunities for their youth.
