Ohanwe marks New yam festival …urges Govt. to provide basic necessities

Alex Ibeh
While celebrating New yam(Iri ji) festival, the Traditional Ruler of Isiama Autonomous community, Isiala Mbano local government Area of Imo State HRH Eze Oliver Ohanwe , Obi gburugburu has advocated that provision of basic necessities of life would eradicate poverty and insecurity in the Country.

Ohanwe who stated this at his Wisdom Palace, Umuihim, Isiama Autonomous community on Saturday 26th October, 2024 during the aforementioned occasion.

Speaking at the event, the Obi gburugburu explained that the significance of Iri ji festival in Igboland, saying it signals the new yam harvest.

According to him, it is a significant cultural event in Igboland together with its associated farming calendar. It signals a new yam harvest, representing abundance and fertility.

He noted that yam is acknowledged as the king of all crops, adding that it is celebrated in Igboland as no other crop.

He further stated that the celebration strengthens social ties and promotes unity among members of a Community, noting that it is a means of preserving Igbo cultural identity, tradition and customs.

However, the monarch admonished government at all Levels to ensure that they provide basic necessities to better the lives of her citizens.

He said: “when government at all Levels provide the basic necessities of life like good roads, light, functional health care facilities, proper funding of education so that even the poorest can access to education, provision of jobs, entrepreneurial skill acquisition centre, Insecurity will be reduced.”

He used the occasion to appeal to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu to grant a Presidential to pardon Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and release him, saying some people are benefitting from his detention.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Occasion Prof. Maurice Iwu, the former Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) described the host as a Traditional Ruler with a high repute and a custodian of culture, even as he appreciated him for sustaining the tradition.
The former INEC Boss said: “I want to thank you for bringing us together to witness this occasion. ” I also want to thank you for the role you have played so far both in Imo State and Nigeria.
” You have been there in critical times,you have been there to ensure that our culture does not go into extinction.”

He also noted that New yam(Iri ji) festival is local because according to him, I am also a Traditionalist that is why it is important to say my full names which is “Okwara dibia” Maduakolam Maurice Iwu.

He explained that the reason to celebrate New yam is because God has kept us alive to see another season and it is enough to give Thanksgiving to God for all He has done for us.

On his part, the Senator representing Imo North at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, Senator Patrick Ndubueze who was one of the awardees as the
Distinguished Community Services expressed gratitude to the host and the Organizers of the occasion.

Ndubueze who used the opportunity to highlight some of the projects attracted to the zone, saying the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has granted them 1/60 substation which the local regulator in th area will provide electricity to Okigwe and other surrounding local governments and communities that have been in black out for years.

In an Interview with Journalists during reception, the Secretary to State Government of Imo State Chief Cosmas Iwu has urged the people of Okigwe zone to embrace peace, unity, in spite of the current challenges in the country.

Iwu called for a more inclusive progress, and sociopolitical growth and opportunities for all.

He also advocated celebration of the nation’s diversity and fostering a sense of belonging among the citizens.

He emphasized the significance of presenting a united front to nurture a new generation of purposeful society who are fully equipped to make positive contributions to the State.

“We need to share our ideas and become agents of reform and enlightenment in the State. Together, we can create a better tomorrow,” he affirmed.

Present during the occasion were the political class, Business men and women, Captains of Industry, Titled men, among others to mention