By Chukwuebuka Emmanuel
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Awam Ji (New Yam Cutting) Ceremony of Onowu Abagana and Regent, High Chief Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, held today in Abagana, brought together people from different parts of Igbo land and beyond in a remarkable celebration of culture, tradition, leadership, and community.
The ceremony attracted delegations, dignitaries, cultural groups, women, youths, elders, professionals, and well-wishers from various walks of life, all coming together to honour the Regent and celebrate the significance of the New Yam tradition.
The Special Guest of Honour at the ceremony was HRM Eze Chukwuemeka Eri Ezeora, the 34th Eze of Iduu Eri Kingdom, whose presence added further significance and prestige to the gathering.
The presentation of gifts and expressions of homage from women, youths, communities, elders, and professionals reflected the wide respect for the Regent and the strong cultural ties that continue to bind the people of Abagana and the wider Igbo community.
The programme began with a solemn Christian prayer led by Bishop Akunna, who prayed for peace, prosperity, divine guidance, and continued blessings for Abagana and its people.
This was followed by the traditional kola-nut prayer performed by High Chief Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze. In the prayer, he expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life, the privilege of celebrating the harvest, and the continued preservation of Igbo traditions and ancestral heritage.
In Igbo land, yam is regarded as the king of crops and carries a deep cultural meaning. It represents wealth, strength, survival, identity, hard work, and communal pride. The Awam Ji ceremony therefore goes beyond the celebration of a new harvest; it is a time to give thanks, renew relationships, strengthen cultural bonds, and celebrate the resilience of the Igbo people.
The event was marked by vibrant cultural displays and the presence of the Survival Troupe, the Igala masquerade with its full entourage, a delegation from Edo, Abagana Welfare Union, including the Women and Youth Wings, global representatives of the Igbo World Assembly Youth Wing, local community groups and cultural custodians, Quincy staff and supporters, men of God and clergy, Ndi Ichie, Nze and Ndi Ozo Enyi Abagana, the Abagana Royal Council, Ndi Otu Iyom Anambra State, as well as other traditional rulers who joined the Regent in solidarity and cultural support.
The colourful processions, traditional dances, masquerade displays, and ceremonial presentations created an atmosphere of joy, unity, friendship, and cultural pride, bringing together people from different communities in the shared celebration of Igbo heritage.
The Awam Ji ceremony once again reaffirmed Abagana’s position as a cultural beacon, a community where tradition is preserved, leadership is respected, and unity is celebrated.
The Regent’s celebration stands as a reflection of the enduring importance of yam in Igbo culture and the strength of a heritage that continues to bring people together across communities and generations.
Anakwenze Media.
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