Hon Muodielo (Middle) with others posed for photograph with the yam pyramid.
…as 2025 cultural festival features yam pyramid
From David Onwuchekwa
The 2025 Afia Olu Nnewi cultural festival was flagged off on Wednesday, August 27, with the display of a yam pyramid at Nkwo Nnewi Triangle, symbolizing the community’s rich agricultural heritage.
Speaking at the event, the Nnewi Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Hon. Afam Tony Muodielo, described Ndị Nnewi as great farmers from time immemorial, noting that agriculture defined the people before the rise of industries.
He emphasized that the yam pyramid was not a gimmick but a true reflection of what made Nnewi unique in the past.
“Afia Olu Nnewi is a time of thanksgiving — to show gratitude to God for a bountiful harvest and to usher in a new planting season. Nnewi people are true farmers, and that’s why you see that yam pyramid there. Industry came later,” Muodielo said.
He recalled that in the olden days, wealth and status were measured by the size of a man’s yam barn. “Farmers like Dim Ohaji and Dim Odumegwu were highly respected for their distinction in yam cultivation.
“Things are changing today, but God blessed Nnewi immensely. That is why it is called Anaedo, that is the land of gold,” he added.
Hon. Muodielo further noted that the Afia Olu serves as a period of homecoming for Ndị Nnewi in the diaspora to reunite with those at home and celebrate their cultural heritage.
According to him, this year’s edition was special because it was celebrated in an atmosphere of peace and unity.
“The local government, the town union, and traditional institutions in Nnewi are working harmoniously, and that is why everything is running smoothly,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life in the community, while acknowledging the contributions of the Igwe of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth O. Orizu (who clocks 100 years this year), the President-General, Prince Jude Osumuoh, the Council Mayor, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, and all the leaders of the four quarters of Nnewi.
