By Eche Nwaobasi, Onitsha
The traditional ruler of Abacha community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, HRM Igwe Godwin Odiegwu, has prayed for God to continue to grant Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo wisdom, strength and good health to sustain his achievements in the state.
Igwe Odiegwu also described the annual celebration of the New Yam Festival, Iri Ji/Iwaji, across Igbo land as a unique cultural tradition that must be preserved and promoted by the people.
The monarch made the remarks through the Onowu of Abacha and traditional Prime Minister of the community, High Chief Paul Omofia, who represented him at the 2026 Iwaji Abacha ceremony held at his palace in Umudisi Village, Abacha.
While praying for continued peace, progress and abundant harvests in Abacha, Anambra State and Nigeria, Igwe Odiegwu commended Governor Soludo for his programmes and policies, saying his administration’s achievements were positively impacting the development of the state.
He urged the governor not to relent in his efforts, while calling on citizens to remain law-abiding and support initiatives that would promote peace, unity and development.
The monarch also appealed to town unions to cooperate with their traditional rulers in advancing the development of their communities. He advised youths to shun idleness, cultism and other forms of criminality, urging them to embrace hard work and take advantage of opportunities in agriculture.
On development in Abacha, Igwe Odiegwu said indigenes had continued to contribute to the growth of the community through youth and women empowerment, support for the elderly, infrastructure development and road construction.
However, he appealed to Governor Soludo to extend government attention to some inner rural roads, particularly the Abacha–Oraukwu and Abacha–Abatete roads, which he said had been abandoned by successive administrations after initial efforts at construction.
Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, the Secretary to the Igwe’s Cabinet, Ambassador Jeff Uba; High Chief Arinze Anyanwu; Onosele Eze Abacha; High Chief Emma Ezeji, Ikemba Abacha; and Sir Simon Adabanya, Chairman, Enforcement on Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Government House, Awka, stressed the importance of preserving the New Yam Festival.
They said the festival showcases the richness of Igbo culture and should not be allowed to disappear, urging Igbo youths to actively participate in and promote the customs and traditions of their people.
The dignitaries commended Igwe Odiegwu for sustaining the annual festival since his emergence as the traditional ruler of Abacha and called on all indigenes to remain united and work collectively for the development of the community.
The colourful ceremony featured spectacular masquerade performances, rich cultural displays, homage to the Igwe by Umuada, Umudiana and town union branches, as well as visits by traditional rulers, including HRM Igwe Benneth Emeka, traditional ruler of Umueri Ancient Kingdom.
The event also attracted goodwill messages from dignitaries and other important personalities amid cultural performances and traditional pageantry.
Tags: #Abacha #NewYamFestival #Soludo #IgboCulture
