The traditional prime minister of Ibeku land in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State, High Chief Uche Akwukwaegbu has advised Igbos to sustain their cultures like the new yam festival which helps to bring unity among the Igbo race.
Chief Akwukwaegbu, who was the chairman at the Afarata Ibeku 2023 new yam festival, commended them for fostering peace and unity, maintaining that the unity of every community leads to other developments. He commended Ibeku youths for their commitment to farming especially, this 2023, affirming that peace is the ultimate secret for things to move without rancour.
Speaking during the occasion, the new town union chairman of the community, Silas Uche Ihemeremadu, expressed joy that the Nkata community is now speaking with one voice and explained that the festival has not been done in a colourful way for long.
He disclosed that he was excited that before now, their people celebrated with machetes and other dangerous weapons, while the celebration was peaceful.
According to him, the new yam festival is an age-long culture of the Igbo people, a festival they are hosting annually.
He added that the Iriji is aimed at ensuring that the flame of Igbo culture, manifestly seen in the new yam festival is kept alive.
Contributing, the Ata 2 of Afarata Ibeku, Eze Felix Onwukwe, represented by the traditional prime minister of Afarata Ibeku autonomous community which Nkata is also under it, Chief Chidiebere Mbanaso thanked the people of Nkata for embracing peace and unity in their land.
The village head of Nkata Afarata Ibeku, Ikenga the ll, Chief Barrister Sunday Onwuchekwa noted that his community is hosting many federal and state establishments in their community like the central bank, federal high court zone 9 headquarters, state house of assembly among others, and called on them to identify with the community, while pledging that their people will continue to protect their properties.
Meanwhile, the deputy speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Austin Okezie Mmeregini, Very Rev Ambassador P.C Okiyi among other notable sons and daughters of Ibeku, friends and well wishers attended the ceremony, which featured several cultural performances.
