Arum Ji: How Ebenebe Turns Yam Harvest into a Celebration of Peace and Unity

The sound of ogene bells and traditional drums filled the air as residents of Ebenebe in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State gathered to celebrate the 2026 Arum Ji (Iri Ji) New Yam Festival.

At the palace of the Traditional Ruler of Ebenebe, Igwe Christopher Emeka Nnaegbuna, the celebration brought together traditional rulers, farmers, titled men and women, youths, clergy, community leaders and visitors in a colourful display of culture and thanksgiving.

For the people of Ebenebe, Arum Ji is not simply about eating the first yam of the harvest. It is an annual thanksgiving to God, a celebration of farming and an opportunity for families and community groups to renew their commitment to peace, unity and development.

The festival also provided an opportunity for political stakeholders and aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections to interact with members of the community, although the central focus remained the celebration of harvest and cultural heritage.

The celebration began with a Holy Mass officiated by four Catholic priests before traditional rites involving the Igwe-in-Council, Ichie and Ozo title holders, the Ebenebe Town Union, women’s groups, age grades and families.

In keeping with tradition, newly harvested yam is not eaten by members of the community until the traditional ruler performs the first ceremonial tasting.

Roasted yam, palm oil, pepper and ọba were subsequently shared among hundreds of celebrants, turning the harvest into a communal expression of gratitude.

The Traditional Prime Minister of Ebenebe, Onowu Joe Nwaegu, said the festival marked the successful completion of the farming cycle that began earlier in the year. “Earlier in March, we marked the farming season, and now we celebrate the successful harvest of our farm produce,” he said.

“After Igwe is done with his own festival today, tomorrow will be the turn of the entire community.”

The Traditional Ruler, Igwe Christopher Emeka Nnaegbuna, used the occasion to encourage young people to embrace agriculture and reconnect with the community’s farming heritage. “Agriculture remains the surest path to prosperity,” the monarch said.

He said the 2026 event marked the 29th Arum Ji celebration under his reign and described the festival as a time to thank God for a successful harvest while strengthening peace, unity and development.

According to him, farming had played an important role in the education and advancement of many people from Ebenebe, including himself. “Most educated people from Ebenebe, including myself, were raised by farming families. Our forefathers were renowned farmers, and that legacy must continue,” he said.

“I am a farmer, and my children also farm. Rather than roaming the streets or engaging in crime, our young people should return to the land.”

The monarch said Ebenebe was blessed with fertile soil capable of supporting greater agricultural production. “God has blessed Ebenebe with fertile soil, and agriculture can defeat laziness and poverty,” he said.

He added that productive engagement of young people in farming could help reduce their exposure to cultism and other criminal activities. “Idleness breeds crime. When young people are productively engaged in farming, they are less likely to join cult groups or engage in criminal activities,” he said.

Igwe Nnaegbuna also advocated mechanised farming to improve food production, create employment and attract investment to rural communities.

The traditional ruler said Arum Ji was also an opportunity to strengthen peaceful coexistence among residents.

He said the palace had introduced community rules discouraging violence, cultism and the use of weapons in resolving disputes.

According to him, sustainable peace must begin within families and extend to the wider community.

The monarch also addressed social media reports linking criminal activities to Ebenebe, saying some incidents were wrongly attributed to the community because travellers and other people passed through the area.

“We remain committed to ensuring that Ebenebe stays peaceful and secure, and we do not tolerate crime in our community,” he said.

Onowu Nwaegu said the festival had evolved from a modest village celebration into a four-day cultural event attracting visitors from Anambra and beyond.

A major attraction is the annual yam competition, which allows farmers to display some of their biggest harvests during the general community festival held the following day.

The winning yam is determined by weight, rather than estimation, with the farmer whose entry records the highest weight emerging as the winner.

According to Nwaegu, the competition was introduced more than 15 years ago to encourage farmers to improve their production.

The winner now receives a cash prize of about N3 million.

The President General of Ebenebe, Mr Raymond Arinze, thanked residents and visitors for contributing to the success of the festival.

He described Arum Ji as an opportunity for the community to appreciate God for the gift of yam and another successful farming season.

Arinze also commended Igwe Nnaegbuna for the peaceful coexistence enjoyed during his reign and called for its sustenance. “Igwe Nnaegbuna has bound us together in unity and we have enjoyed great peace under him. We shall continue to work together to keep the peace,” he said.

The President General of the Women’s Wing, Mrs Theresa Okonkwo, said women remained committed to preserving peace in the community. “Without peace, there will be no progress and development.

“As homemakers, we will ensure that we keep our children out of trouble. Growth and development of Ebenebe is our collective responsibility,” she said.
For Femi Ologunwa, a National Youth Service Corps member from Ondo State, the festival provided an opportunity to experience an Igbo New Yam Festival for the first time.

He said he was impressed by the procession of Ozo title holders, royal regalia and the hospitality extended to visitors. “I am impressed a lot. As a Yoruba man, I was thrilled by the way culture has been displayed in this place today. All of us corps members here are happy to be here,” he said.

Ologunwa said the experience would remain memorable after his service year. “This memory will stay with me for a long time to come because it is not something I see every time. We are about to pass out but this is a great experience for all of us.”

He described culture as an important part of Nigeria’s identity and called for its continued preservation. “Personally, I love culture. It is one thing that attracts people to Africa and Nigeria and we must continue to make the best out of our culture,” he said.

As the drums continued into the evening and families gathered beneath decorated canopies, Ebenebe’s Arum Ji festival offered more than a celebration of the yam harvest. It provided a space for thanksgiving, cultural expression and the renewal of the community’s commitment to peace and unity.