New Yam Festival: Group praises Enugu traditional ruler for promoting Igbo culture

The University of Nigeria Alumni Association (UNAA) has lauded Igwe Samuel Asadu, the Traditional Ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, for promoting Igbo culture through the celebration of the new yam festival. Dr. Linda Agua-Onyekwelu, the National President of UNAA, made the commendation in Nsukka on Sunday while speaking during the maiden New Yam Festival of Igwe Asadu who was coronated in 2022. The president, who led other executives to the event, said that the galaxy of personalities from all walks of life present during the festival was an eloquent testimony that the traditional ruler had national and international outlook. Agua-Onyekwelu said that the Igwe had used the festival to showcase the rich traditional and cultural heritage of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu community and Ndigbo in general, “UNAA is impressed with the level of participation by the community, whose traditional dancing, wrestling and masquerade as well as the yam barn display in the venue by Asadu added colour and excitement to the event. “I commend the traditional ruler who has used his first new yam festival outing to showcase and promote the rich Igbo cultural heritage. “This event has provided opportunity for many people to see and witness live and have a feel of what new yam festival is all about. “Events like this will go a long way to make youths understand that Igbo people have a rich culture and traditions,” she said. She urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, to make it mandatory that every traditional ruler in Igboland must celebrate the new yam festival annually. Also speaking, Dr Christy Obi-Keguna, UNAA Chapter President, University of Nigeria Nsukka, said that the association identified with Asadu because he is the patron of the association and also one who always like to render selfless service to humanity. “Igwe Ogadagidi has impacted positively on both individuals and groups; he has used what God has given to him to help the society without any discrimination of who you are, or where you come from. “We are here to join our patron who is the traditional ruler of the community to celebrate his first new yam festival in grand style,” she said. Also speaking, Dr Chidi Ugwu, the President of UNN Senior Staff Club and member of UNAA, said that Asadu had through the festival demonstrated his love for Igbo tradition and culture. “It is unfortunate that some people do not know their culture which is their identity. It is only when you know your culture that you can identify your root and origin,” he said. (NAN)