Chinedum Treasure
Traditional Ruler of Ebenebe in Awka North local government area of Anambra state, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Christopher Emeka Nnaegbuna has challenged young people to embrace agriculture as pathway to prosperity instead of crime and idleness.
Nnaegbuna who gave the advice during the Arum Ji (Iri Ji) New Yam Festival of the community held at his palace, stressed that agriculture could defeat laziness and poverty.
According to him, mechanised farming remains essential for improving productivity, creating employment and attracting greater government investment to rural communities.
He said, “Today marks the 29th edition of the Arum Ji Ebenebe celebration under my reign. It is a festival of thanksgiving for a successful harvest and opportunity to strengthen peace, unity and development in our community.
“Farming built the foundation of Ebenebe’s success. Most educated sons and daughters from Ebenebe, including myself, were raised by farming families. I still farm with my children.
“Our forefathers were renowned farmers, and that legacy must continue. The younger generation must return to agriculture rather than roaming the streets or engaging in criminal activities. God has blessed Ebenebe with fertile soil.”
Describing the festival as powerful instrument for social harmony in a community located along strategic border corridor, Nnaegbuna dismissed social media reports linking criminal incidents to Ebenebe.
He revealed introduction of community laws discouraging violence, cultism and use of weapons during disputes, stressing that peace begins within families before extending to the wider society.
“Idleness breeds crime. When young people are productively engaged in farming, they are less likely to join cult groups or engage in criminal activities.
“We remain committed to ensuring that Ebenebe stays peaceful and secure, and we do not tolerate crime in our community,” he stated.
Also speaking, Traditional Prime Minister (Onowu) of Ebenebe, Chief Joe Nwaegu, said the ceremony marks the completion of the agricultural cycle that began with the cultivation festival earlier in the year.
“The traditional ruler initiates the Iri Ji ceremony every year. It is our annual celebration of the harvest.
“Earlier in March, we marked the farming season, and now we celebrate the successful harvest of our farm produce,” he said.
He noted that the celebration began with a Holy Mass officiated by four Catholic priests before traditional rites commenced, bringing together the Igwe-in-Council, Ichie and Ozo, Ebenebe Town Union, women’s groups, age grades, families and guests from across the state.
“After the ceremonial breaking of the new yam, roasted yam served with palm oil, pepper and ọba became the first communal meal shared by hundreds of participants, symbolising gratitude and abundance,” he said.
The royal father further disclosed that the celebration had grown from modest community gathering into a major cultural event, attracting visitors from within and outside Anambra.
“While previous generations celebrated mainly in village markets before returning home for family feasts, today’s festival incorporates broader community participation and organised cultural activities.
“One of its biggest attractions is the annual yam competition, where farmers present their largest harvests. The biggest yam is determined scientifically using a weighing scale rather than estimation. The winner receives a substantial cash prize of about ₦3 million,” he revealed.
The Onowu described the competition as an innovation introduced during the reign of Igwe Nnebuna over 15 years ago to encourage excellence in agriculture and reward hardworking farmers.
President General of the community, Raymond Arinze appreciated everyone that graced the occasion, particularly visitors to the community, describing the festival as opportunity to appreciate God for the gift of yam.
He also thanked the traditional ruler for peaceful coexistence the community had enjoyed since his reign, urging him to sustain the tempo.
President General, Women Wing of the community, Mrs Theresa Okonkwo, appreciated the peace the community has enjoyed under the leadership of Igwe Nnaegbuna even as she called for sustained synergy to keep the community perpetually at peace.
“We congratulate our traditional ruler on this colourful occasion. As mothers, we recognize the fact that we have a lot to do to ensure that peace continue to govern our community and we shall not rest on our oars.
“Without peace, there will be no progress and development. So, there is no alternative to it. We must continue to work together for peace and growth of Ebenebe,” he added.
The festival attracted several aspirants for various elective positions in the 2027 elections alongside political stakeholders, joining families, kindreds and community groups in paying homage to the traditional ruler.
Their presence reflected the enduring influence of traditional festivals as important civic spaces where leaders and aspiring public office holders engage directly with grassroots communities while respecting indigenous customs.
Also in attendance were members of the National Youth Service Corps member serving in the community, including Femi Ologunwa from Ondo state who said the festival was his first experience.
“This is my first time attending a traditional New Yam Festival in this part of Nigeria, and I’m genuinely impressed. From the moment we arrived, we received a warm welcome,” he said.
Ologunwa described the colourful procession of Ozo title holders, traditional greetings and royal regalia as unforgettable.
“My biggest takeaway is the value of African culture. Our culture is one of our greatest treasures, and it is something people from all over the world come to experience,” he added.
He said he had taken numerous photographs throughout the event to share the experience with people back home in Ondo, describing the festival as a memorable conclusion to his service year in Anambra.
As drums continued to resonate and families exchanged greetings beneath decorated canopies, the message of Arum Ji remained unmistakable: in Igboland, the yam is not merely a crop—it is a symbol of gratitude, identity, hard work and the enduring bond between culture and community.
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