In Igboland, New Yam Festival is one of the major traditional and cultural celebrations that portray and project Igbo identity.
This is because yam is regarded and respected as king of crops and most individuals and families do not eat new yam until this festival is performed.
The festival is often celebrated at community levels by traditional rulers of various towns after which families, groups and individuals who wish can then organize their own celebrations.
In one of such celebrations, Chukwubunna Ezeokoli of Umudala Nanka, Orumba North Council Area celebrated this year’s new yam festival after the general celebration by the community.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Ezeokoli said the festival is an annual event to showcase Igbo cultural heritage and thank God for another successful year and for his blessings and protection.
He said time has come for Ndigbo to look inwards for self-rediscovery by focusing on values that entrench unity and harmonious coexistence that would accelerate development and progress.
Mr Ezeokoli disclosed that in coming years they hope to expand the celebration to accommodate more activities that highlight Igbo culture and tradition.
In his reaction, a community leader, Mr Henry Ezeamaku said new yam festival is an important aspect of Igbo cultural heritage that should be sustained and stressed the need for proper reorientation of youths to take pride in their cultural heritage.
Also, speaking, a titled man from the community, Chief Ikechukwu Ezeobika emphasized the need for families and schools to promote the speaking of Igbo language to encourage children to take pride in their mother tongue.
In their separate reactions, Mr Ogbonna Ibekwute, Mrs Chidiebele Nwankwo, Mr Sunday Okolie and Mr Innocent Okwundu noted that such cultural heritage helps to promote unity and understanding among the people and extolled Mr Ezeokoli for his commitment towards protecting Igbo culture and tradition.
The celebration attracted family members, friends and well-wishers, including members of Traditional Medicine Practitioners and featured roasting of yam, presentation of various gifts, cultural dances as well as masquerade displays.
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