The culture and tradition of Umuchu town in Aguata Local Government Area came to the fore as the community celebrated her New Yam Festival, 2025 tagged: “Umuchu Unity New Yam Festival”.
The event commenced with the harvest of the new yams known as Iba-ubi by the traditional ruler of Umuchu, Igwe Godson Ezechukwu which featured the consumption of the new yam by the royal Father of Umuchu at his Crystal Palace, Umuchu in company of the Cabinet Chiefs, Ndi Ichie, Ndi Nze na Ozo, members of Umuchu Improvement Union Representatives Assembly, Umu Ada, among others amidst cultural displays and feasting.
The Umuchu Unity New Yam Festival continued the next day at Umuchu Mini Stadium where various groups adorned in their colourful traditional attires gathered in a festive mood to relish the new yam which many described as the gift of life and sustenance.
Addressing the people of Umuchu after the presentation and breaking of the kolanut, the traditional ruler of Umuchu, Igwe Ezechukwu thanked God for the life of Ndi Umuchu and the peace that has ushered in numerous developments in the community.
Igwe Umuchu who spoke through the Cabinet Secretary, Prof. Chief Echezona Ifejirika extolled the Cabinet Chiefs, Ndi Ichie, Nze na Ozo, and the entire good people of Umuchu Alanso for their unity of purpose in making this year’s new yam festival unique, and enjoined Umuchu indigenes at home and abroad to eschew bitterness, rancour and unnecessary litigations but embrace peace, unity and love for the progress of Umuchu.
In his opening remark, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Rapuruchukwu Ezeanya praised God for the bumper harvest and commends the people of Umuchu for their hard work, adding that Umuchu is blessed with abundant human and material resources that can make the community to be the first among equals.
Delivering his welcome address, the President General, Umuchu Improvement Union Representatives Assembly, Sir Charles Ezenwabasili noted that the New Yam Festival provides the opportunity for the community to take stock of the year’s farming activities and to thank God for life with family and friends.
Sir Ezenwabasili stated that this year’s new yam festival was unique as it extended to three days from Iba-ubi, Umuchu general consumption of the new yam at Umuchu Mini Stadium built by an illustrious son of Umuchu who is the incumbent Mayor of Aguata Local Government Area and culminates with cultural carnival at Nkwo Umuchu Market Square.
In their goodwill messages, the Member representing Aguata I Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Anayo Okpaleke, and the Mayor of Aguata Council Area, Prince Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike expressed joy with the excellent organisation of the festival which they said showed positive leadership and prays for wisdom and understanding for Ndi Umuchu to remain in peace to achieve their set goals.
Some prominent sons of Umuchu including High Chief Chris Ezeoguine, High Chief Johnbosco Onunkwo, High Chief Abraham Otti, and the Palace PRO, Chief Emmanuel Obiagwu while commending the cultural committee for a job well done, thanked God for the provision of the New Yam and prayed for life, unity and progress of Umuchu.
In a vote of thanks, the traditional Prime Minister of Umuchu, Chief Alphonsus Obidike and the Chairman, Iri Ji Umuchu Planning Committee, Nze Chimezie Ikeh expressed gratitude to God for the success of Umuchu Unity New Yam Festival and appreciated all who contributed in making the history that the next generation will emulate, promising a bigger outing next year.
The event featured the presentation of kolanut by various groups, symbolic cutting of the new yam, cultural displays, homages to Igwe Umuchu, Eze Ji competition which was won by Mr. Samuel Umegborogu with his yam weighing 59.90kg, and presentation of High Chief Abraham Ikechukwu Otti educational grants to the winners in primary, secondary and tertiary levels.
