KINGSLEY EBERE
Ndigbo in Apapa/Iganmu Local Government Area of Lagos State at the weekend converged to celebrate the annual New Yam festival (iriji) and end of year celebration of Ezendigbo in Apapa/Iganmu LGA, Eze Apostle Justice Enujuba.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the event was held on Saturday at the palace of Eze Enujuba in Orile area of Lagos and was attended by dignitaries from within and outside Apapa and Iganmu areas.
Those in attendance included members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Igbo Speaking Community, Igbo Amaka and Onye Ahana Nwanneya sociocultural group, family, friends and wellwishers of Eze Enujuba under the Chairmanship of Ezendigbo of Sari Iganmu, Eze Donatus Uche (Okanu-mee).
Performing the cutting and eating of the new yam, Eze Enujuba prayed for peace in the Igbo states and Nigeria in general.
He also prayed to God for good health, prosperity and long life for the Igbo people.
Apostle Justice Enujuba urged the Igbo in Apapa /Iganmu and indeed Lagos State to live in peace with the host communities and prayed for peace to reign among the people in the State.
He asked God to solve individual and collective problems and challenges of Ndigbo so that they will be united and speak with one voice in Lagos State.
The Chairman of the occasion, Eze Donatus Eze, also known as Aku Ruo Ulo of Akokwa in Imo State, explained the significance of the new yam festival and said it started from the great grand fathers to thank God for the successful planting season and ask for protection in the coming season for bountiful harvest.
He also said that the new yam festival is used to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Ndigbo and to appreciate Igbo sons, daughters and friends who have distinguished themselves in their various endeavours and have in one way or the other affected the lives of the people positively.
He emphasized the need for the Igbo to continue to preserve their culture and tradition so that the children will learn the rich Igbo cultural heritage.
The Chairman of Onye Ahana Nwanneya, Ichie Lucky Okorie, called for the unity of Ndigbo in Lagos State and noted that there is so much of acrimony and rancor among Ndigbo in the State.
The climax of the event was the cutting of the cake, display of the Igbo traditional dance and entertainment of the guests with Igbo traditional foods and local palm wine.