New Yam Festival: Enugu monarch appeals to FG to release Kanu

The Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRM, Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu, has appealed to the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu from incarceration to stem the tide of insecurity in South East.

Igwe Asadu who said that the rising insecurity in South East is fueled by Kanu’s continued incarceration, equally appealed to President Bola Tinubu to use political solution to resolve whatever issue keeping him in detention.

He made the call on Saturday at Edem Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State when he led members of his community in celebrating the 2024 New Yam Festival in his community.

He explained that the new yam festival is celebrated in his community  every year in thanksgiving to God for bountiful harvest, peace and security in his community.

HRM, Asadu, who is the immediate past Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers’ Council, equally thanked Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his support to the members of his community, adding that he provided fertilizer to farmers and equally sited smart school in his community.

“Iwa Ji is one of the key traditional practices that just have to be promoted so that, apart from sustaining the age-long culture, it will remind us that through agriculture, we can meet one of man’s most cherished needs, food. There is need, therefore, for all citizens to invest more time in farming, especially of yam, which has served as one the most available staple foods in the country,” he said.

In his remarks during the festival, the Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture, Patrick Uburu, said the state government supports the celebration of new yam festival because of its cultural significance which also encourages agricultural production.

He said that the state government has identified the real farmers in the state and has continued to support them to ensure food security and to boost the economy of the state.

Also, in his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chidi Ezema, said “Today 26 October, 2024 is an epoch-making day in the lives and history of Edem Anians as it marks the 2nd anniversary of the rekindled, rejuvenated and highly celebrated new yam festival under the young, dynamic, workaholic, kind-hearted, gentle, peaceful, generous, humanitarian, Igwe Edem Ani, Igwe Ogadagidi 1 of Edem Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom, Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu.” 

Chief Ezema, who is a former Head of Service in Enugu State, also said that the festival marked  the celebration of life, accomplishments in the community, culture and well-being, adding that the festival holds a special place in Nigerian society.

Also, in his opening address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Ozo Chukwuemeka Ejum, lauded the unwavering commitment of Igwe Asadu, in preserving the culture and tradition of Edem Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom, adding that even the biting economic realities could not deter him from celebrating the festival.

The festival which was graced by creme de la creme in Igbo society  also witnessed elaborate cultural display of masquerades, yam barn and other cultural performances.