AI-generated illustration for editorial purposes.
By Magnus Emuji/Chukwudi Asoya
OKPANAM/Nigeria: Traditional rulers and community leaders in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, have commenced activities marking this year’s New Yam Festival with calls for peace, unity and the preservation of the community’s cultural heritage.
The celebration is being led by the Asagba of Okpanam, Obi (Dr.) Adimabua Ozili, JP, alongside Obi Onyeayana Victor Okafor, the Okpuenyi II, and other community leaders whose ancestral lines are associated with the traditional institution.
Speaking at his palace during the celebration, Obi Okafor said the festival, known locally as “Ifijiokwu Ndi Eze,” provides an opportunity for members of the community to honour their ancestors and reflect on their cultural heritage.
He said the occasion also carries a spiritual dimension, as it provides an avenue for prayers for guidance, protection and continued peace in the community.
According to him, the New Yam Festival is also an opportunity to appreciate God for the harvest and to promote the values and traditions that have shaped Okpanam over the years.
Obi Okafor called on members of the community to use the celebration to strengthen bonds among themselves and promote peaceful coexistence.
A community leader and close associate of the traditional ruler, Chief Emeka Ijeh, also appealed to indigenes to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the festivities.
Ijeh said Okpanam had a reputation as a peace-loving community and urged residents and visitors not to allow disagreements or other acts capable of causing tension to undermine the significance of the celebration.
He stressed that greater unity among the people remained essential to the social and developmental progress of the community.
At the palace of Obi Ozili, Chief Patrick Okonkwo, popularly known as “Pato”, also observed the festival in memory of his late father, Obi Stephen Okonkwo, who served as Asagba of Obodogwugwu.
Recalling his late father’s counsel, Chief Okonkwo said his father had encouraged him to take the Alor title as a means of participating in the community’s decision-making process.
During a homage visit to Obi Ozili, former Chairman of Obodogwugwu Youths, Comrade Medua Okonkwo, alongside Dr. Adimabua Ofili, Mr. Bright Okocha and Mr. Shadrach Moha, described the traditional ruler as a father figure who had remained accessible and accommodating to members of the community.
The visitors commended Obi Ozili for what they described as his contributions to the development of Okpanam and efforts to sustain its cultural traditions.
Comrade Medua Okonkwo also appealed to youths in particular to avoid violence during and after the festival, urging them to protect the peace and dignity of the community.
The New Yam Festival remains an important cultural occasion in many communities across southeastern Nigeria, marking the harvest season and providing an opportunity for communal thanksgiving, cultural observances and family gatherings.
