Loud Ovation At Ibeju Lekki For Eze Chris Offia’s New Yam Festival & Ohanaeze End Of Year Party 2021

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

Sunday 19th December, 2021, will remain memorable in the minds of most  Igbo people and other dignitaries when the Ezendigbo, Ibeju Lekki, who is also the Chairman of Igbo Council of traditional rulers in Lagos State, Eze Chris Offia, marked the new yam festival and Ohanaeze end of the year party.

P.M.EXPRESS reports that the event, which was organized by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Ibeju-lekki under the traditional head, Eze Offia, was held at Sharpen the Sword Stadium by SKI Hotel, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Bogije, Ibeju-lekki, Lagos State.

It also witnessed massive turn out of Igbo people, friends and other dignitaries from other ethnic groups, who went to honour Eze Chris Offia.

Top on the list included the amiable President of Ohanaeze, Lagos State, Chief Solomon Aguene and his executives, the leader of APC, Lagos State, Chief Joe Igbokwe, Igbo Queen, Madam Lilian Osuofia, traditional rulers from various Local Government areas in the state, stakeholders at Ibeji Lekki and others including Ezendigbo in South Africa.

The Chairman of the occasion was Chief (Dr) Ude Ukpai and the Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Mojeed Fatai Adebola, member of Lagos State House of Assembly representing Ibeji Lekki Constituency.

Eze Offia described the massive support at the event as an indication that he was well accepted as the leader because he has demonstrated honesty and transparency since he took over as the chairman of Council of traditional rulers in Lagos State.

He also stated that the occasion has further helped build more synergies with other ethnic groups and Igbo Community in Ibeji Lekki and indeed in Lagos State.

On the significance of the New Yam festival to Ndigbo, Eze Offia stated that the festival has its origin from the forefathers of Ndigbo, who sustained eating yam in the time of lack and maintained yam as the chief crop for Igbo people.

He explained that the event was also used to thank God for His mercy and protection and then take stock of various activities during the year.

Eze explained that he used the opportunity the huge event provided to recognize and honour Igbo sons and daughters including friends, who have distinguished themselves in various fields by giving them chieftaincy titles and awards of merit to spur them to do more for the society.

The event climaxed with the display of Igbo rich cultural heritage such as masquerades, dance groups and others.