THE rich cultural heritage of Ndi Igbo came to the fore when the Obosi Community celebrated its New Yam Festival.
Though, the celebration was in a low key, Newsden was at the palace of the Traditional Ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka and reports that it was a double-barrelled event, as it featured the installation of the former State Chairman Pilgrim Board, Chief Boniface Ugonabu as Okenwa Obosi.
Ugonabu was recognised for his contributions, long stay and love for Obosi community.
Addressing the gathering, Igwe Iweka expressed gratitude to God for a bountiful harvest of farm crops, saying that this year’s celebration which would have been held at Aforadike field, was celebrated in low profile due to COVID 19.
He urged the people of his community to ensure strict observance of COVID 19 protocol, reminding them that the Virus is real and it kills irrespective of age and social status.
The Royal Father who decried the spate of insecurity in the country called for peaceful coexistence in various villages of Obosi, Anambra State and the country at large.
In his acceptance speech after the installation as Okenwa Obosi, Chief Ugonabo appreciated Igwe Obosi and the entire Community for finding him worthy to be among the Igwe’s Cabinet and promised to live up to expectations.
Speaking to Newsden, the Commissioner representing Anambra State at the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Uche Ibeabuchi congratulated Obosi Community for the celebration and called on Ndi Anambra to always adhere to the COVID 19 protocols as well as seek for peace at all times.
Baring his mind on the State of the nation, Hon. Ibeabuchi called for equitable distribution of democracy dividends to avert breach of peace.
On their parts, a member of the Igwe’s Cabinet Chief Emeka Esimone and a member of Otu Odu Obosi, Dr. Mrs. Vivian Onwuekwe said they were excited for celebrating this year’s New Yam festival, called Ikpo Onunu saying that the event was regarded as a period of enthroning peace in the Community as it provides them the opportunity of reconciliation and forgiveness.
The President-General of the Community, Chief Steven Okolo and his Obosi Urban Counterpart, Chief Paul Chinedu, called on the entire Community to live at peace with one another, respect and support their Traditional Ruler, Igwe Iweka while urging the youths to engage in meaningful ventures to promote the image of the community.
The event featured cutting and distribution of the New Yam by the Igwe, installation, egwu ota dance by Ndi Ichies, among others.
BY SUNNY A. DAVID
