…Applauds Gov. Mbah, Nwanjoku’s Developmental Strides
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The age-long Igbo tradition of the New Yam Festival was celebrated in grand style at Ezinesi community, Oduma, Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, where renowned business mogul, exceptional philanthropist, and revered farmer, High Chief Stephen Chukwuezeora (Okite na Oduma, Obataobie 1 na Oduma, Enyimba 1 of Anekeorji Mpu), hosted this year’s edition in honour of his father, Chief Ezeora (Omenuko 1). The event marked the end of a fruitful farming season and reaffirmed the ancestral ordinance of appeasing the gods of yam in Igbo land.
The New Yam Festival, a cornerstone of Igbo cultural identity, remains a season when successful farmers showcase their yields and the community gives thanks for a bountiful harvest. Chief Okite’s celebration not only upheld this cultural heritage but also underscored the enduring values of unity, thanksgiving, and tradition in Igbo society.
The festival drew an impressive gathering that included family members, business associates, community chiefs, Ozor title holders, youths, and women groups. Distinguished guests in attendance were the Executive Chairman of Aninri Local Government Council, Prince Ugochukwu Nwanjoku, the Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Aninri Chapter, Hon. Chief Afam Christian Okafor (Afam Chris), along with several aides of the council chairman.
The celebration was marked by cultural displays and rich entertainment, featuring yam delicacies, traditional dances, masquerade performances, and other vibrant showcases of Igbo heritage.
In a statement to the press, Chief Okite urged Ndigbo to embrace and promote their cultural heritage, stressing that the New Yam Festival carries deep ancestral values that must be sustained for future generations.
The philanthropist, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Steven Chuks Resources Nigeria Limited, used the occasion to commend the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his visionary leadership and developmental strides across the state. He also applauded Prince Nwanjoku, the Aninri council chairman, for his achievements at the local level.
Chief Okite further announced his commitment to providing transportation across the wards in Aninri to support the ongoing voter registration exercise, emphasizing his readiness to mobilize support for Governor Mbah’s re-election bid in 2027.
The event was described as both a celebration of harvest and a reaffirmation of the influence of culture in shaping the affairs of humanity. Chief Okite concluded with a call on all Igbos to sustain and celebrate the New Yam Festival across communities in Igbo land.
— Reported by Ekpete Obi, Oduma