ONICHA-OLONA/Nigeria: The ancient traditions of Onicha-Olona in Delta State will take centre stage from Sunday as the community begins its 2026 New Yam Festival, a celebration expected to bring together indigenes, families and visitors in honour of the annual harvest.
The festival is scheduled to run from September 13 to 26, with preparations already in place for the celebration.
The New Yam Festival remains an important cultural institution in many communities across Delta State and other parts of southeastern Nigeria, providing an opportunity for communities to celebrate the harvest, renew social bonds and preserve indigenous traditions.
For Onicha-Olona, this year’s celebration is also expected to provide a platform for indigenes living outside the community to return home and reconnect with their cultural roots.
The festival comes at a time when concerns about the preservation of indigenous culture and traditions have continued to grow, particularly as younger generations become increasingly exposed to global cultural influences.
Beyond the ceremonial presentation and consumption of the new yam, traditional festivals provide opportunities for communities to pass cultural knowledge from older generations to younger people through music, dance, food, traditional institutions and communal gatherings.
The Delta State Police Command has announced security arrangements for the festival, with personnel directed to cover the festival venue, major entry and exit routes, identified flashpoints and other strategic locations.
Patrol and traffic teams have also been deployed to adjoining routes to regulate movement and respond to emergencies.
The police have urged residents and visitors to celebrate peacefully and warned against violence, cult-related activities, fighting, possession of dangerous weapons and other conduct capable of disrupting the festivities.
The command has also appealed to parents, traditional rulers, youth leaders and other stakeholders to support efforts to ensure a peaceful celebration.
With the festival scheduled to begin on September 13, Onicha-Olona is expected to welcome visitors and indigenes for another celebration of its cultural heritage.
