Mbanefo, Igbo Leaders Mark New Yam Festival In Abuja

Igwe E.A. Mbanefo, the Ozuruoha II of Orsumoghu, has marked this year’s New Yam Festival with an in-house celebration at his residence in Lokogoma, Abuja.

At the event, 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 taking place 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 gives the younger generation an opportunity to learn and strengthen communal bonds,” the monarch stated.

Mbanefo further noted that the festival has a role in boosting food security as it encourages 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 a representation of 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 yam 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 pointed to the resilience of farmers 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 to God for witnessing another harvest season, remarking that the continuity of the festival despite security challenges is a testament to the people‘s enduring spirit.