By Juliana Nwachukwu
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Chief Law Mefor, has described the New Yam Festival as an important part of Igbo cultural heritage that should be preserved and transmitted to younger generations.
Mefor made the remark during the 2026 New Yam Festival in Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area(LGA), where indigenes, visitors, friends, in-laws and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the new harvest and the community’s cultural heritage.
The two-day celebration, held on 7 and 8 of Aug. at the palace of the traditional ruler of Abatete, HRM Igwe Engr. Chinyelugo Emeka Efobi, featured traditional rites, cultural displays and activities celebrating agriculture and community identity.
Performing the traditional ceremony, Igwe Efobi expressed gratitude to God for the harvest, particularly the yam, which he described as the “chief of crops.” He prayed for peace, prosperity and abundant harvests for the community, while wishing the people continued blessings ahead of the next farming season.
The monarch was joined by traditional rulers from Idemili North and South, including Igwe Pharmacist Alex Oyido of Ogidi, Igwe Engr. Augustine C. Emelobe of Oba, Igwe Arch. Chuma Agbala of Uke and Igwe Barr. Dr. Emeka Onuorah of Oraukwu, among others.
Igwe Efobi explained that the traditional celebration begins with the monarch’s ceremony, after which members of the Igwe-in-Council hold their own celebrations before individual families continue the observance in accordance with Igbo tradition.
Speaking at the festival, Mefor, an indigene of Abatete, said the New Yam Festival was more than an occasion for entertainment, describing it as a means of preserving the history, values and identity of the Igbo people.
He urged Ndi Anambra to sustain the tradition, encouraging younger generations to understand and participate in cultural practices, while promoting agriculture as an important pathway towards food security and self sufficiency.
The former Chairman of Idemili North LGA, Barr. Okey Muo Aroh, explained that the festival traditionally features the Igwe performing the first cutting and eating of the new yam, followed by members of his cabinet and the wider community.
The Chairman of Great Abatete Ambassadors, the organisation that sponsored the 2026 celebration, Chief Dr. Paul Okeke, disclosed that more than ₦50 million was committed to the sponsorship of the festival.
Okeke said the investment was intended to give the celebration a new dimension while promoting Abatete’s cultural identity, noting that the organisation had supported community development and security initiatives through the provision of vehicles and motorcycles for security personnel, as well as empowerment programmes for different groups.
The celebration attracted the Mayor of Idemili North LGA, Hon. Stanley Nkwoka, government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and other dignitaries.
Highlights of the festival included masquerade displays, cultural performances and a new yam exhibition competition.
The farmer who produced the largest yam received ₦200,000, while the first and second runners-up received ₦150,000 and ₦100,000, respectively. Other participants received consolation prizes of ₦50,000 each.
The festival brought together culture, agriculture and community fellowship, providing an opportunity for Abatete indigenes and visitors to celebrate the harvest while reaffirming their commitment to preserving the community’s cultural heritage.
Juliana Nwachukwu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
