By Rita Mokobia
OKPANAM/Nigeria: The Okpanam Kingdom in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State has celebrated its 2026 New Yam Festival, with the traditional ruler, Ugoani of Okpanam, His Royal Majesty Dr. Mbanefo Michael Ogbolu (JP), using the occasion to call for peace, unity and greater commitment to community development.
The celebration, held on Monday, September 7, at the Ugoani Palace, attracted indigenes, residents, friends and well-wishers who gathered to mark the beginning of the traditional harvest season.
The New Yam Festival, known locally as Iwaji, traditionally marks the conclusion of the farming season and the commencement of the harvest period.
Addressing the gathering, Ogbolu described the festival as an important part of the cultural heritage of Okpanam and an occasion for thanksgiving for a successful farming season.
He said the ceremonial presentation and eating of the new yam symbolised the opening of the harvest season, while also reinforcing the values of hard work, communal living and respect for the customs handed down by previous generations.
The monarch urged indigenes and residents to use the festival to strengthen relationships and contribute to the continued growth and development of the kingdom.
Ogbolu also commended the people of Okpanam for the reception accorded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori during the commissioning of the Sheriff Oborevwori Cottage Hospital along Ntoka Road in the community.
He said the turnout demonstrated what he described as the hospitality, unity and progressive outlook of the people.
The traditional ruler particularly appealed to youths in the kingdom to remain peaceful, law-abiding and respectful of the rights of other residents.
He noted that Okpanam had grown into a cosmopolitan community and urged residents to avoid actions capable of creating division or undermining the peaceful coexistence of the people.
He announced that traditional displays, cultural performances and masquerade outings would feature prominently in the festival programme as part of efforts to preserve and showcase the community’s cultural heritage.
The monarch also referred to recent issues concerning the traditional institution, reaffirming the position of the Ugoani-in-Council on matters relating to the throne.
He said the traditional institution remained committed to maintaining peace, order and respect for customary authority in the kingdom.
Several community leaders who spoke at the event also highlighted the wider significance of the annual celebration.
Chief Henry Akunepu (SAN), Ugonamuta of Okpanam Kingdom, described the festival as an opportunity to thank God for a fruitful farming season and acknowledge the importance of yam in the cultural and economic life of the people.
Akunepu said the annual gathering also provided an opportunity for the community to reflect on its development, assess progress and identify areas requiring further attention.
Similarly, Chief Mrs. Awele Mordi Onyemeziem, Okilolo of Okpanam Kingdom, described the festival as a period of thanksgiving and reflection.
She said the occasion enabled indigenes to appreciate God for preservation of lives while renewing their commitment to the traditions and values inherited from their forebears.
According to her, the festival also promotes unity and strengthens relationships by bringing people from different backgrounds together to celebrate their shared heritage.
Onyemeziem further noted that the event could contribute to the economic and tourism potential of the kingdom by exposing its cultural heritage to a wider audience.
A major highlight of the celebration was the recognition of Barrister Simeon Okonkwo, an Okpanam indigene recently installed as Oye-Isi 1 of Australia, Secretary of the United Igbo Association, Australia, and Chairman of the Anioma Association, Australia.
Ogbolu congratulated Okonkwo on his recognition and urged him to continue using his experience and expertise to support the development of Okpanam Kingdom.
The festival ended with renewed calls for the preservation of Okpanam’s cultural heritage while promoting peace, unity and collective responsibility for the kingdom’s development.
