New yam festival: Town union leader, Okorie urges Edda community to sustain peace

By Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki 

The agrarian community of Nguzu Edda,  Afikpo South Local Government of Ebonyi State has concluded its new yam festival ceremonies with a call on their people to sustain the prevailing peace in the area.

Leader of Edda Progressive Union, Calabar branch, Chief Collins Okorie Udu explained that the ceremony is the grand finale of their new yam festival celebrations, which is called ‘Igba nzu’.

 He said that apart from the merriment of the occasion, the celebration has remained a rallying point for unity among his people. 

“This ceremony was handed over to us by our forefathers. It has continued from generation to generation. It’s always peaceful. And the Nguzu man is known for peace”, he said.

Okorie,  Chief Executive Officer , MCRICH  Ventures Ltd enjoined his people to give more attention and priority to farming, noting that it is the solution to the harsh economic conditions in Nigeria.

“As you can see, I am at home celebrating our new yam festival with my people. It’s time to share with one another, the season of reunion. We come together as a people, appraising how the season has been. Above all we use the occasion to give thanks to God for life, for good harvest and pray together for better harvest in the next season”, he said.

He explained that, “My people are peace loving. Even our sons and daughters who are abroad are doing this same celebration wherever they are. Even at home here, you noticed that the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru was at this year’s festival ably represented. That’s very good of him, to show interest in the cultural advancement of the State”.

He applauded the Governor for what he described as a show of commitment to the needs of the people and assured him that his Edda people would remain behind his administration.