New Yam Festival: Okpanam Marks "Ifijiokwu Ndi Eze " To Honour Ancestors

New Yam Festival: Okpanam Marks "Ifijiokwu Ndi Eze " To Honour Ancestors

By Magnus Emuji/Chukwudi Asoya 

In keeping with the culture and traditions of Okpanam, the Asagba of Okpanam, Obi (Dr.) Adimabua Ozili JP, the Okpuenyi II, Obi Onyeayana Victor Okafor, and other community leaders whose forebears were Obis have commenced this year’s New Yam Festival.

Speaking to journalists at his palace, Obi Okafor said the community was marking _“Ifijiokwu Ndi Eze” to honour their ancestors.

 He explained that the significance of the cultural festival is a period to pray to ancestors for guidance and protection.

According to him, the New Yam Festival is a veritable platform to showcase the community’s rich cultural heritage, appreciate God for a bountiful harvest, and most importantly, pray for peace and unity in Okpanam.

Also speaking, prominent community leader Chief Emeka Ijeh, a close associate of Obi Okafor, described the festival as an important aspect of their heritage.

 He urged kinsmen to celebrate in peace and avoid using the occasion to foment trouble.

Chief Ijeh reminded the people that Okpanam is a peace-loving community and cautioned against anything that could portray the community in a bad light. He emphasized that embracing peace and unity is key to the overall development of Okpanam.

At the palace of Obi Adimabua Ozili JP, Chief Patrick Okonkwo, popularly known as ‘Pato’, also celebrated the New Yam Festival in honour of his late father, Obi Stephen Okonkwo, a one-time Asagba of Obodogwugwu. Chief Okonkwo recalled that his father advised him to take the Alor title in order to belong to the community’s decision-making body.

During a homage visit to Obi Ozili, immediate past Chairman of Obodogwugwu Youths, Comrade Medua Okonkwo, Dr. Adimabua Ofili , Mr. Bright Okocha and Mr. Shadrach Moha, expressed joy at being part of the celebrations, describing Obi Ozili as a father to all who is open-minded and accommodating. 

They noted that the renowned leader has contributed immensely to the growth and development of Okpanam, and to the preservation of its culture and traditions.

Comrade Okonkwo further urged the youths to shun violence during and after the festival.