Isingwu Community Celebrates New Yam Festival With Unity And Cultural Pride
By Chukwuma Emele
It was a show of culture and tradition at Isingwu Autonomous Community, Umuahia North LGA of Abia State as the people gathered for their New yam festival.
Speaking during the festival held at Nkwoachara Community Square, Nkwoachara Isingwu, the Special Guest and Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, said that the observance of cultural festivals engender peace and unity in communities.
He disclosed that the state government is committed to promoting the culture of the people of the state.
Dr Ukaegbu assured that Umuahia people in government will not disappoint their people but will ensure they get what is due for them.
Also speaking, the Chief Strategist to the Governor, Mr Chinenye Mba Uzoukwu commended people of Isingwu for being good custodians of their culture and called for its sustenance.
Performing the Iwaji ceremony, the Traditional Ruler of Isingwu Autonomous Community, Eze Daniel Ukaegbu in company of his Okpu Isingwu Counterpart, Eze Kingsley Emekobum said the ceremony is used to thank God for a successful and bountiful harvest and wished people of Isingwu a peaceful celebration.
In his remarks, the Traditional Prime Minister of Isingwu Autonomous Community and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu congratulated Isingwu people on their successful New yam festival and expressed happiness that the ceremony is coming when the state is blessed with a visionary Governor, Dr Alex Otti who is intentional in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Abians.
Contributing, a Guest at the festival, Chief Okeosisi Harbor expressed happiness that people of Isingwu are at peace with their culture and called on other communities to emulate them.
In his goodwill message, a son of the community Chief Enyinnaya Onokala said the Community is happy with the developmental strides of Dr Alex Otti and stressed the need for continued peace in the community.
The Iwaji ceremony which was attended by Friends and Well Wishers of the Isingwu Community also featured cultural display by the Akajinkwa cultural group of Isingwu.