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By  Ukpa Ewa

Jubilation galore as Omor, a community in Anambra West Local Government of Anambra State recently celebrate her annual Iwa-Ji festival, marking the commencement of the 2024 yam harvest season.

The event, which took place in the penultimate weekend, was a significant cultural occasion, drawing the participation of both the local populace and dignitaries across the state.

Performing the official cutting of the new yam, the traditional ruler of Omor, His Royal Highness, Igwe Chris Oranu said Yam is the head food of Igboland, a symbolic of affluence as an Igbo man.

According to him, "In old days any man that called Nna-Ji is a rich man. If you want to celebrate anything, yam should be involved. In old days if you want to take chieftains title is yam".

Ígwé Oranu who emphasized the importance of yam in Igboland, noted yam and culture are synonymous. He therefore, called on people to imbibe the culture of new yam celebration.

Igwe Oranu, who reaffirmed the cultural significance of yam in Igbo tradition. He stated that yam is a symbol of wealth and prosperity, deeply embedded in the cultural practices of the Igbo people. The Igwe emphasized that the Iwa-Ji festival is a time to celebrate and give thanks, as well as to pray for a bountiful harvest in the coming year.

Igwe Oranu however, pray for abundance blessings on every individual who graced the event irrespective of his/her tribe and business endeavours, declared that next year will be better than this year.

"I am cutting this yam, that we will eat it with good health and sound body, everybody that is celebrating this year yam festival will see the next year yam festival and the blessings that follows it", Ígwé declared.

In his goodwill message to the Omor community, the Anambra State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Don Onyenji, emphasized the importance of preserving and celebrating Igbo culture. He noted that the Iwa-Ji festival is an essential part of the Igbo heritage, growing in significance and participation each year.

Hon. Onyenji who appreciates the efforts of the traditional custodian if Omor community, HRH, Ígwè Oranu in ensuring peaceful coexistence among the people of the community, highlighted the support of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, who views such cultural events as vital in the fight against hunger and poverty.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Omenugha, praised Igwe Dr. Oranu Chris Chidume, the traditional ruler of Omor, during her address. She lauded his integrity and dedication to education, which has had a global impact, and acknowledged the untainted cultural heritage of the Omor community. The Vice-Chancellor also expressed the university's appreciation for Igwe Oranu’s contributions to fostering unity and love within the community.

The supreme elder of Omor community, Chief Dominic Nwakibie   expressed gratitude for the leadership of Igwe Oranu and the blessings bestowed upon the community.

Chief Nwakibie underscored the tradition that no one in Omor can consume new yam until the Iwa-Ji cultural festival has been performed by Igwe by first tasting the new yam.

Hon. Maduburuchukwu Bernard Udemezue, representing Ayamelum constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, reiterated the cultural importance of the Iwa-Ji festival, stating that it officially marks the beginning of the harvest season. He explained that the festival is a way for the community to give thanks to God and seek blessings for a fruitful farming season.

The event also saw the participation of Barr. Nwabunwanne Uzoyibo, the Woman President General of Omor, who highlighted the festival's role in uniting the community, both those at home and abroad. She noted that the Iwa-Ji festival is celebrated every year, with all members of the Omor community eagerly participating in the festivities.

The festival was attended by top government officials, various groups, and heads of parastatals, including the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, and the Managing Director of the Anambra Broadcasting Service, Hon. Chido Obidiegwu. The Iwa-Ji festival continues to be a cornerstone of cultural pride and community spirit in Omor, reinforcing the rich traditions of the Igbo people.