The Traditional Ruler of Ebenebe in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Christopher Nnaegbuna, has encouraged youths to adopt agriculture as a means of achieving prosperity. He made this appeal during the 29th edition of the Arum Ji Ebenebe New Yam Festival, held at his palace. According to Nnaegbuna, mechanized farming is crucial for boosting productivity, generating employment, and attracting government investment to rural areas.
Nnaegbuna emphasized that farming played a pivotal role in Ebenebe's success, as many prominent individuals from the community, including himself, were raised by farming families. He stressed the importance of continuing this legacy, urging the younger generation to engage in farming rather than indulging in idleness or criminal activities. The monarch highlighted that Ebenebe's fertile soil makes it an ideal location for farming.
The festival, which marked the completion of the agricultural cycle that began with the cultivation festival in March, was attended by various community groups, families, and guests from across Anambra State. The celebration commenced with a Holy Mass officiated by four Catholic priests, followed by traditional rites. The ceremonial breaking of the new yam and the sharing of roasted yam with palm oil, pepper, and 'oba' symbolized gratitude and abundance.
The Traditional Prime Minister of Ebenebe, Chief Joe Nwaegu, noted that the festival has evolved into a major cultural event, attracting visitors from within and outside Anambra State. One of the festival's main attractions is the annual yam competition, where farmers present their largest harvests, with the winner receiving a cash prize of about N3 million.
President General of Ebenebe, Raymond Arinze, expressed appreciation to all who attended the festival, particularly visitors to the community. He described the event as an opportunity to appreciate God for the gift of yam. President General of the Women Wing of the community, Mrs Theresa Okonkwo, praised the peace the community has enjoyed under Nnaegbuna's leadership and called for sustained synergy to maintain peace.
The festival was also attended by several aspirants for various elective positions in the 2027 elections, alongside political stakeholders and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the community. They joined families, kindreds, and community groups in paying homage to the traditional ruler.
Nnaegbuna's administration has introduced laws discouraging violence, cultism, and the use of weapons during disputes, aiming to maintain peace and security in Ebenebe. He dismissed media reports linking the community to criminal incidents, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring the community remains peaceful and secure.
Key points
- Igwe Christopher Nnaegbuna urges youths to adopt farming to overcome idleness and poverty.
- The 29th Arum Ji Ebenebe New Yam Festival was attended by various community groups and guests from across Anambra State.
- The festival featured an annual yam competition, with the winner receiving a cash prize of about N3 million.
