Abubeagu Youths Celebrate New Yam Festival in Grand Style

By Nkechi Ikenwoke

It was a moment of celebration among youths of Abubeagu Nando, in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State; in thanksgiving to God for bountiful harvest of the year, long life and prosperity in the community.

The event which was held at Abubeagu Field attracted the son of the community and Chairman Ogbogwu Market, Onitsha, Chief Donatus Ajamma also known as 'Mmiri Enwilo na Nando', the eldest man of Nando, Ichie Uwadiegwu Okeke, Chairman Abubeagu Youth, Nnaemeka Nwangwu also known as 'Africa', Representatives of Oga Ndị Oga movement and supporters of the Governorship Aspirant and flag bearer of Labour Party in the Anambra November 6 Governorship election, Obiora Agbasimalo among others.
Speaking during the festival, Chief Ajamma said it is a gathering that promotes peace and unity in the community which attracts outsiders who loves to rejoice with them.

"We pray together as brothers and break colanut for continuous existence of peace and unity in our land. It is a festival we hold every year which started with our forefathers during 'Ilo Mmuo'. We also do it to promote our culture which our younger siblings are emulating today", he said.

Chief Ajamma also advised the youth to remain law and abiding sons of the community even as the festival stood as a symbol of unity and peace.

He further prayed that God will bless all the works of their hands, give them long life and prosperity for more development in Nando.
While breaking the colanut, Ichie Okeke prayed for sustainable growth, peace and harmony among the youths both home and abroad even as they remain obedient to their parents adding that they will obtain more wealth and firmness among their peers.

"As elders of Nando, we pray that they will live long and prosper. Get married and blessed with children. We shall also live to guide them because, the joy of every parents is to see his children making him proud. So shall it be in their lives".

Speaking to newmen shortly after the festival, Nwangwu thanked all the youths for their immense contribution which he said that brought the occasion to a successful end and prayed that God will bring more progress and unity among them.

"Through this festival, we come together to know ourselves and rejoice with one another. We become more united and not to plan evil against us. I pray that God will grant us long life and prosperity to develop our community, Nando", he said.

In an interview, the Patron of the youth, Hon Christopher Nwakor said that among all crops in farmland, yam is chosen to be used for celebration of bountiful harvest in every Igbo land adding that it also enables them to invite their friends into the community for the festival.

He urged them to maintain unity and have respect for their parents which will in return attract success and brighter future among them; and also avoid any form of a reckless life as such people are being disregarded in the midst of others.

Other villages villages in the community include Abube uno, Amaegwenne, Ubaruisioye, Agbudu, Amajanna, Umuawo, Isinyni, and Ikem.

Some of the youths present were the Vice Chairman Abubeagu Youth, Ikechukwu Chinweze, Ugochukwu Ugbaja, Emmanuel Udemezue, Chife Chife, and many others.