By Solomon Mokwugo
There was excitement and renewed hope in Ndiowu, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, as the community celebrated the restoration of its New Yam Festival.
The event, held on Friday, August 28, 2026, brought together indigenes and residents in a celebration that many described as a significant step towards rebuilding unity, peace and communal bonds.
Chief (Dr) Joseph Chimezie Onuorah, popularly known as Deme Deme Na Orumba, and a member of the Ndiowu Traditional Ruling Council, expressed delight over the revival of the festival.
Speaking with The Nijasun, Onuorah said he had never witnessed such a celebration in Ndiowu since he was born.
“My heart is filled with joy that we lived to see this day. Since I was born, I have never witnessed this kind of festival in Ndiowu.”
He said the restoration of the festival under the new traditional ruler represented a new beginning for the community.
Onuorah urged Ndiowu indigenes at home and abroad to support efforts aimed at promoting peace, unity and sustainable development.
Onuorah Highlights Development Efforts
The philanthropist also reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots development through the Joseph Onuorah Foundation.
Among the foundation’s projects are the ongoing Ndiowu Mini Stadium, two modern classrooms at Community Secondary School, Ndiowu, and an eight-room modern toilet facility at St. Lawrence Anglican Church.
Since 2017, the foundation has also sponsored UTME and SSCE examinations for more than 50 students annually within and beyond Orumba North and South, while supporting skills acquisition programmes and the Ndiowu Sports Fiesta.
Onuorah said his interventions were driven by a sense of responsibility rather than charity.
“In our Igbo culture, a person does not truly succeed alone. Whatever God gives you, you are expected to use part of it to lift others.”
Message to Ndiowu Youths
Onuorah urged youths not to depend entirely on government or others for their future, advising them to combine education with practical skills.
He identified technology, agriculture, healthcare, artificial intelligence, finance, entrepreneurship and skilled trades as areas with growing opportunities.
He equally warned against fraud, drug abuse, cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that there was no sustainable shortcut to success.
“Your name is an asset. You may lose money and recover it, but once you lose your integrity, rebuilding your reputation can be very difficult.”
He urged successful Ndiowu indigenes in the diaspora and elsewhere to remain connected to their roots and contribute to the development of the community.
According to him, his greatest satisfaction is to see people who received support become independent and later help others.
“That is the cycle I want to create.”
Onuorah encouraged Ndiowu youths to dream big, acquire useful skills, protect their integrity, avoid crime and remain committed to making the community proud.
Tags: #Ndiowu #NewYam Festival #Anambra
