By Ebere Akuma
The people of Ogbunike community in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State have fixed September 26, 2026, for this year’s annual New Yam Festival, with sons and daughters of the community in Nigeria and abroad expected to converge on the town for the celebration.
The announcement came as the community presented a brand-new vehicle to its traditional Prime Minister and Akaeze of Ogbunike, Chief Anene Chukwuma Osadebe, in recognition of his service and commitment to the development of the community.
Speaking with newsmen in Ogbunike, Chief Osadebe said the New Yam Festival was part of the cultural heritage bequeathed to the community by the late traditional ruler, Igwe John Ositadimma Umenyiora, popularly known as Ezedioramma.
He explained that following the death of Igwe Ezedioramma in 2020, he had been piloting the affairs of the community in accordance with the 1978 Constitution of Ogbunike.
According to him, Ogbunike has two major cultural festivals, the Nwafor Festival and the New Yam Festival.
He noted that the late monarch celebrated the New Yam Festival during his lifetime, stressing that sustaining the tradition was important for preserving the community’s cultural heritage and transmitting it to younger generations.
Chief Osadebe said this year’s celebration would be particularly significant, as many sons and daughters of Ogbunike living abroad were expected to return home to participate in the festival.
The traditional Prime Minister also used the occasion to appeal to members of the community to embrace peace, noting that disagreements and lack of unity had affected efforts to conduct an election for a new traditional ruler.
“Once there is peace, we will conduct Igwe election, but if there is quarrel, it will be difficult to conduct Igwe election.
“Although we have started gradually embracing peace, there are still some rebellious ones and we are praying for them to change so that we can conduct Igweship election,” the Akaeze stated.
Also speaking, the President-General of Ogbunike community, Mr Tochukwu Obiakor Samuel, said the New Yam Festival would be celebrated in an atmosphere of peace, unity and happiness.
He disclosed that the community also used the occasion to formally present the new vehicle to Chief Osadebe, explaining that it was purchased by one of the community’s illustrious sons, Chief Patrick Ofia, popularly known as Onwa Ogbunike.
Obiakor said the gesture was in appreciation of Chief Osadebe’s selfless service and dedication to the affairs of Ogbunike community.
The 2026 New Yam Festival is expected to provide an opportunity for the people of Ogbunike to celebrate their rich cultural heritage, reconnect with family and friends, and strengthen unity within the community.
Tags: #Ogbunike #NewYamFestival #Anambra
