Umuawulu Monarch Celebrates New Yam In Grand Style, Participants, other Nigerians Reflect On The Nation’s 63rd Independence Anniversary
Michael Ezenwata
It was a gathering of who is who in Umuawulu as the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Joel Egwuonwu (Eze Udo 11) celebrated the community’s new yam festival amid various cultural displays.
A roll call of some distinguished Nigerians who graced the occasion include member representing Awka North and South constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Prof. Obiageli Orogbu, Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, his Deputy, Right Hon. Chukwuma Okoye, the state Commissioner For Culture,Tourism and Entertainment, Comrade Don Onyenji, state Commissioner of Police, CP Aderan Adeoye, traditional rulers, etc.
In a statement during the occasion, Igwe Egwuonwu proclaimed peace in Nigeria, Anambra State and Umuawulu community.
The Royal father acknowledged the giant strides being taken by the Soludo administration to move the state to greater heights.
He spoke of the imperatives of the New Yam festival and farming and used the forum to present 5 motorcycles to some Umuawulu indigenes as empowerment initiatives, cash reward to farmers who participated in the Agricultural exhibition etc.
In a remark during the occasion, the traditional ruler of Aguluzigbo, Igwe Rufus Iloduba, felicitated with Igwe Egwuonwu on his community’s successful new yam festival and used the forum to call for peace in Nigeria as it marks its 63rd Independence Anniversary.
On his part, a former President General of Umuawulu, Chief Ikechukwu Nkala, paid his respect to Igwe Egwuonwu and prayed that God will touch the hearts of the nation’s leaders to turn things aright.
Contributing, the Principal, Nawfia Comprehensive Science and Technical College, Venerable Clement Mgbemena, called on Nigerians to pray for their leaders and to exhibit good followership as righteousness exalts a nation, while a former state legislator, Dr.Tim Ifedioranma, expressed faith in Nigeria and expects better days ahead.
In their separate remarks, Chiefs Ignatius Aguowo, Uche Onyiliofor, Johnson Anya, Gilbert Nwafor, Emma Anizoba, Gabriel Okeke and Samuel Ukpogu, paid glowing tributes to Igwe Egwuonwu and used the forum to voice their expectations and hope for a better Nigeria.
Chief Ukpogu noted that if a new Nigeria is not possible, Igbos should be allowed to operate under their own sovereign nation.
