The Akwakuma Autonomous Community in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria, recently hosted the 2026 edition of the annual New Yam Festival. The festival, which brings together sons and daughters of the community to thank the gods for harvest and strengthen communal bonds, was attended by a special guest, Prince Alex Mbata, the APC Senatorial candidate for Imo East. Mbata arrived at the venue with his entourage to a rousing ovation from the community.
The festival was held at the Palace of His Royal Highness, Eze David Onuegwunwoke, the Traditional Ruler of the Akwakuma Autonomous Community. The palace courtyard was filled to capacity, with youths drumming, women singing, and elders nodding in approval. The air was thick with the aroma of roasted yam and palm wine, and the euphoria of tradition. Mbata described the monarch as his good friend and noted that his presence was to identify with the traditional institution and the people of Akwakuma.
During the festival, Mbata announced a donation of N4 million to support the new yam festival and developmental projects in Akwakuma community. The announcement drew cheers from the crowd, with many describing it as a timely and thoughtful gesture. Mbata used the cultural platform to speak to the people about the future, urging Akwakuma people to identify with the PAM Project, his political movement and development blueprint.
Mbata described the PAM Project as a platform for collective participation and inclusive growth for Owerri Zone when he emerges in 2027. He emphasized that the festival was not just about eating new yam, but about appreciating heritage, reinforcing unity, and charting a common path for progress. He called for continued support, unity, and active participation, stressing that Owerri Zone can only develop when its people work together.
In his response, Eze David Onuegwunwoke, Eze Udo III of Akwakuma, expressed his gratitude to Mbata for his presence and donation. The revered monarch prayed for Mbata, invoking God’s blessings, guidance, protection, and favour upon him. He prayed that Mbata’s aspirations and good intentions for the people would be blessed, and that the land would favour him as he has favoured Akwakuma.
The 2026 Akwakuma New Yam Festival came to a close with kola nuts broken, libations poured, and royal blessings declared. The festival left behind a clear message: that tradition remains a powerful meeting point for leadership and followership. In Akwakuma, culture reigns supreme, and the community came together to celebrate their heritage and unity.
The New Yam Festival is an age-long celebration that brings the community together to appreciate their heritage and culture. The festival is a significant event in the community's calendar, and Mbata's presence added to its importance. The event was a homecoming of friendship for Mbata, who described Eze Onuegwunwoke as his good friend.
Key points
- Prince Alex Mbata, APC Senatorial candidate for Imo East, donates N4 million to support the 2026 New Yam Festival and developmental projects in Akwakuma community.
- Mbata urges Akwakuma people to identify with his PAM Project, a platform for collective participation and inclusive growth for Owerri Zone.
- The 2026 Akwakuma New Yam Festival emphasizes the importance of tradition as a meeting point for leadership and followership.
