Chinazaekpere Chinwendu, Reporter
Umuahia, Abia State |September 5, 2025 —
The people of Ohuhu in Umuahia North Local Government Area came together in grand style to celebrate the annual New Yam Festival, known as Iwa Ji, a cultural event that reaffirms their heritage and communal bond.
The occasion held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, drew traditional rulers, political leaders, farmers, and community members who gathered to honor the significance of yam as both a staple crop and a symbol of cultural identity.
Speaking to newsmen after the celebration, Hon. Anderson Kelechi Akaliro, Member representing Umuahia North (Ohuhu) State Constituency in the Abia Assembly, emphasized the deep connection between culture and agriculture.
He noted that the New Yam Festival is not just a feast but a reminder of the values that hold society together.
“Culture and agriculture are intertwined. Without agriculture, our culture loses one of its strongest foundations. The yam is not just food; it is a cultural symbol of hard work, dignity, and continuity,” Akaliro said.
The lawmaker commended farmers across Ohuhu and beyond for their resilience in food production despite the economic and environmental challenges facing the sector.
He called for a renewed commitment to agriculture, describing it as both a cultural duty and an economic lifeline for communities.
“We must encourage our young people to see farming not as a burden but as a noble venture. When we sustain agriculture, we preserve our culture, ensure food security, and secure a better future for our children,” he added.
Hon. Akaliro also used the platform to advocate for policies that would make farming more attractive and rewarding, stressing the need for investment in modern tools, improved seedlings, and rural infrastructure to support agricultural productivity.
“As leaders, it is our duty to create an enabling environment for farmers to thrive. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and festivals like Iwa Ji remind us of our responsibility to protect and promote it,” he stated.
The Ohuhu New Yam Festival, which has been celebrated for generations, is marked with thanksgiving to God and the ancestors for a bountiful harvest, traditional dances, and communal feasting. It remains one of the strongest symbols of unity, identity, and resilience among the people.
Hon. Akaliro concluded by urging constituents to embrace their cultural heritage with pride while contributing to community development through active participation in agriculture.
“When we uphold our traditions, we build stronger societies. When we cultivate the land, we cultivate our future. Culture and agriculture must go hand in hand for our people to truly prosper,” he affirmed.
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