His Royal Highness (HRH), Igwe E.A. Mbanefo, Ozuruoha II of Orsumoghu, has marked this year’s New Yam Festival with an in-house celebration at his residence in Lokogoma, Abuja.
Speaking during the event at the weekend, Igwe Mbanefo emphasised the cultural and spiritual significance of the annual celebration among the Igbo people. According to him, the New Yam Festival is more than a feast; it reflects the agrarian heritage of the Igbo community and serves as a reminder of their collective efforts to secure food through farming.
“The celebration is our cultural heritage. Every titled man is entitled to eat new yam, which signifies the beginning of harvest. Though the festival is in Osimmm community in Ihiala, Anambra State, we are marking it here to remind our people in the diaspora that they must not forget their culture and identity.
It also allows the younger generation to learn and strengthen communal bonds,” the monarch stated.
Igwe Mbanefo further noted that the festival boosts food security by encouraging more farming and better harvests.
“Whoever eats yams on the day of the celebration partakes in the blessing,” he added.
Hon. Agatha Manafa, Liaison Officer, Anambra, Abuja, described the festival as representing abundance and thanksgiving. She lauded the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and his wife for supporting farmers through various agricultural initiatives, which she said have improved food security in the state.
Also lending his voice, Sir Arinze Anadu, President General of the Towns People Association, Anambra State, highlighted the symbolism of yams in Igbo culture. “The New Yam Festival, observed annually between August and September, is a time of thanksgiving to God for the harvest. Yam remains the staple food of the Igbo, and after the ritual, the harvest season begins,” he said.
Anadu also praised farmers’ resilience in the face of security challenges, noting that many now plant yams in bags within their compounds—an innovation born out of necessity.
High Chief Ofodum Vitus (Ikenga I of Mbosi) expressed gratitude for witnessing another harvest season, remarking that the festival’s continuity despite security challenges is a testament to the people’s enduring spirit.
