Umueri Community To Celebrate New Yam Festival September 6th

CHUKWUKA UGOKWE

The Traditional Ruler of Umueri Kingdom, Anambra East Local Government Area, Igwe Ben Emeka, has reiterated the commitment of the community to sustain her cultural heritage through New Yam Festival which has lots of ancestral significance.

Igwe Emeka made this known while speaking with newsmen at his palace against the backdrop of preparations for the forthcoming festival slated to hold on Saturday, 6th September,2025.

According to the programme of activities, the festival will commence with interdenominational service at Igwe’s palace, Umueri, heads of the various christian denominations are to attend and officiate at the service.

This will be followed by performance of the ceremonious cutting of the roasted yam after traditional rites signifying consumption of the crop, while other features such as royal dance, homage to the Monarch and entertainment of guests will continue.

Igwe Emeka further noted that this year’s festival would be unique as some companies including Seaman’s and producers of Indomie Noodles had indicated interest to support the community to stage the ceremony of bountiful harvest, cultural heritage, unity and development.

“This is my Ninth year on the throne, going to my Tenth year by the grace of God. I have seen a lot of progress and testimonies. It is our heritage, culture and tradition and we will continue to uphold it”

He described the festival as aligning with the goal of cultural preservation, thanksgiving to God, modernity, peaceful coexistence, agricultural prosperity and in line with the principles of christianity.

“The festival seeks to reconnect with our cultural roots. It is also an opportunity for us to showcase our rich cultural heritage. There will be traditional wrestling competition, masquerade displays, cultural dance performances.

“It is an age long event for celebrating our cultural identity, deeper appreciation of our diverse traditions and encouraging communial development.

“We call on people from far and near, friends and well wishers, cultural enthusiasts to be a part of this historic celebration”

On their part, some of the cabinet members including Onosolueze, Chief Joe Onuigbo, Prof Chief Sam Umeadi and Chief Princess Ngozi Okoye, acknowledged that arrangements were in top gear to celebrate the festival.

“Umueri is an agrarian community with adorable and hospitable people who like to spoil their visitors with good foods, and fish delicacies and that is what those coming to visit this year will experience”

They affirmed that the reign of the Monarch has brought unprecedented peace, unity and development to Umueri Community.

While commending Gov Chukwuma Soludo for upgrading the Umueri General Hospital, they also pleaded for urgent construction of the four kilometres Umueri bye pass road connecting the community to the Airport.

It was gathered that the event will provide a platform for cultural exhibition, agriculture, tourism development, traditional food as indices indicate that this year’s edition promises to be even more memorable