Ihiala Town Celebrates New Yam Festival
New yam festivals in Igboland present opportunities for indigenes to interact with one another for the growth of peace, reconciliation, rapid advancement and improvement of the communities.
To sustain this tradition, Ihiala community recently rolled out the drums in grand style to celebrate the 2021 new yam festival.
The colourful event aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Igbo people was held at Odoata Central School Field and was kicked off with a pontifical mass at Saint Martin of Tours Parish Ihiala.
Felicitating with the community, Governor Willie Obiano beckoned on them to continue to live in peace and unity as well as showcasing solidarity to one another.
A native of the town and Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C-Don Adinuba who represented the Governor, urged ndi Ihiala to take farming seriously and called for the promotion of ugbo Azu uno across Igbo land due to its tremendous economic benefits.
The event came to climax when the traditional ruler of Ihiala, Igwe Thomas Obidiegwu was ushered into the arena with Ndi Ogbuehi, Ndi Ichie, members of Oluoha in Council and danced to the tune of uhio drummers, displaying their rich cultural heritage.
Addressing the gathering, Igwe Obidiegwu flanked by his wife, Lolo Amaka said that the celebration is unique as it marks the beginning of some innovative programs, aimed at behavioral change in the attitudes of youths and urged them to sustain it.
The Chairman Planning Committee, Chief Ody Chukwube, commended their traditional ruler for his exemplary leadership in the town and maintained that his reign has created a robust development in the community.
Some dignitaries who graced the occasion were, the Running Mate of APGA flag – bearer Professor Chukwuma Soludo in the fourth coming Anambra governorship election, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Pascal Agbodike and an illustrious son of the community, Dr. Nnamdi Igwemezie among others.
