By Uche Nnabuchi
It was a celebration of culture, thanksgiving and communal unity as the people of Utumbadike Community in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State gathered to mark their annual New Yam Festival.
The colourful event, held at the palace of the traditional ruler of Utumbadike, attracted sons and daughters of the community, traditional rulers from neighbouring communities, invited guests, friends and well-wishers.
Speaking with journalists during the celebration, the Traditional Ruler of Utumbadike, His Royal Highness, Igwe Peter Ilomuanya, expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and overall organisation of the festival.
Igwe Ilomuanya thanked God for the successful celebration, noting that the event was conducted peacefully and without rancour.
The traditional ruler prayed for continued peace, unity and progress in the community, while also asking God to bless and replenish everyone who contributed, financially or materially, to the success of the festival.
He equally wished all sons and daughters of Utumbadike long life, good health and prosperity.
The President-General of the community, Hon. Ignatius Ofodi, also confirmed that the festival was successfully celebrated, attributing the hitch-free event to God’s grace and the collective love of the people for their community.
Ofodi commended the organisers for their careful planning and coordination, expressing optimism that next year’s edition would be bigger, better and more memorable.
Also speaking, the General Secretary of the community, Prince Okonna Mbanefo, described the New Yam Festival as an important annual event and a long-standing cultural heritage of the Igbo people.
He explained that the festival is traditionally celebrated around the seventh and eighth months of the year as a period of thanksgiving to God for a successful farming season and bountiful harvest.
Prince Mbanefo, popularly known as Ichie Ife-Abata, explained that the festival carries deep cultural significance, noting that traditional rulers and titled men are expected to wait for the formal celebration before eating the year’s new yam.
He described yam as the “king of crops” in Igboland, stressing that its cultural importance accounts for the special respect accorded to it above other farm produce.
“Our traditional ruler, Igwe Ilomuanya, is a peace-loving man. He loves our community, and I wish him long life and good health.
May God continue to give him wisdom and protection,” Prince Mbanefo prayed.
The festival ended on a note of thanksgiving and renewed calls for peace, unity, cultural preservation and greater development in Utumbadike Community.
Tags: Utumbadike, New Yam Festival, Nnewi South, Igbo Culture
