By Akuma Ebere
On August 3, 2024, a quarter in Ojoto community, Idemili South local government area of Anambra state, comprising six villages of Akabor, Ezema, Enugo, Umuezema, Ngoogwugwu, and Iru Ebelebe celebrated their 2024 Ufejioku festival, also known as the New Yam Festival, at their market square.
The event, declared open by Igwe Gerald Mbamalu, represented by Chief Romanus Anyisia, alongside Chief Patrick Onwuaraghi (Asato Ojoto), was a resounding success.
During the festival, Chief Romanus prayed and thanked God for the lives of all present and the successful harvest. He emphasized the importance of appreciating God’s mercy and kindness in the land and encouraged everyone to maintain Igbo culture and tradition.
Other dignitaries, including Chief Obiora J. Aniawonwa, Mr. Onyekachukwu Chukwujama, Dr Obinna Okeke, Hon. Ik Chukwujudo, Mr. Daniel Okoye, and Ejima Ojoto, described the new yam festival as a celebration marking the end of the harvest season. They highlighted the significance of yam in Igbo land, noting its value in bridging hunger, generating income for youth, and promoting agriculture. They urged the youth to embrace agriculture for a better future.
Chief Patrick Onwuaraghi expressed gratitude to the Anambra State government, community members, friends, and well-wishers who supported the event, particularly their illustrious sons and daughters who contributed to the community’s growth.
