Joy As ZLP Candidate, Hon. Greg Amarube ‘Dino’ Joins Okpunachara-Umuchu For Maiden New Yam Festival

KINGSLEY EBERE

It was a historic and joyful moment in Okpunachara-Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, as the community celebrated the maiden edition of their New Yam Festival as a section, with the ZLP Candidate for Anambra South Senatorial District, Hon. Greg Jideofor Amarube, popularly known as Dino, in attendance.

The atmosphere was filled with music, dance, colour, and gratitude as sons and daughters of Okpunachara-Umuchu, both home and in the diaspora, converged to mark the beginning of what promises to become a lasting cultural tradition. Hon. Amarube was warmly welcomed by his people with cheers, songs of praise, and a guard of honour by the youths.

The celebration of the New Yam Festival is a cherished expression of culture, heritage, unity, gratitude, and the fruits of the people’s hard work. For the people of Okpunachara-Umuchu, the festival was more than just eating new yam. It was a thanksgiving to God and to the land for a bountiful harvest, and a reaffirmation of the values that bind the community together.

Traditional rulers, elders, women groups, youth organizations, and cultural troupes all turned out in their finest attire to grace the occasion. The pounding of yam, masquerade displays, and traditional dances gave the event a unique identity that reflected the rich cultural heritage of Ndigbo.

This maiden edition makes the event particularly special, as it marks the beginning of what they hope will become a lasting tradition that will unite generations and also showcase the rich cultural identity of Okpunachara-Umuchu. Community leaders described it as a turning point for the section, noting that the festival will now serve as an annual platform to promote unity, attract visitors, and preserve Igbo customs for future generations.

In his speech at the event, Hon. Greg Amarube expressed gratitude to the people of Okpunachara-Umuchu for their love, support, and warm welcome. He commended the organizers of the festival for their vision and courage to start a tradition that will preserve culture and bring the people closer together.

The ZLP senatorial hopeful described the people of Okpunachara-Umuchu as hardworking, peaceful, and proud custodians of Igbo heritage. He praised their unity and resilience, saying that such qualities are what Anambra South needs to achieve greater development.

Addressing the gathering, he advised them to vote wisely in the 2027 elections and to protect their votes. He stressed that democracy thrives when the people make informed choices and hold their leaders accountable.

He further assured the people of his commitment to better and more meaningful representation if elected as a senator to represent the Anambra South Senatorial District in 2027. Hon. Amarube promised to prioritize youth empowerment, support for farmers, small business development, quality healthcare, and infrastructure that will directly impact communities like Okpunachara-Umuchu.

“Our culture is our identity. When we celebrate our yam, we celebrate our strength, our unity, and our future. As your son, I am committed to ensuring that the voice of Anambra South is heard loudly at the Senate. I will be a senator who works for the people, not for himself,” he said.

Many community members described Hon. Amarube ‘Dino’ as a grassroots leader who understands the needs of the people. They praised his humility, accessibility, and clear vision for the district. Youths and women at the event expressed optimism that his representation would bring new opportunities and give Anambra South a stronger voice at the national level.

The event ended with prayers for peace in Anambra State, blessings for the new yam, and a communal feast that brought everyone together in unity.

For Ndi Okpunachara-Umuchu, the maiden New Yam Festival will be remembered not only as a celebration of harvest, but also as the day their community took a bold step to preserve culture while being honoured by the presence of a leader, Hon. Greg Jideofor Amarube ‘Dino’, who has pledged to stand with them and work for their progress.