By Obianuju Azukaego
The people of Nibo Community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State have celebrated the 2026 Ili Ji (New Yam) Festival of Ezeike Nibo, with a renewed call for peace, unity and collective development.
The annual cultural celebration, held on Aug. 23, was organised by the Ezeike-in-Council, Nibo Union Executive, Ndi Ozo Njualo, Odu Iyom, Nibo Chiefs and the entire Umuezeike. The festival formally heralded the commencement of the traditional eating of the new yam in the community.
Speaking at the event, the traditional ruler of Nibo, Eze Ngene, commended the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo for what he described as significant developmental strides across Anambra State.
The monarch, however, expressed concern over issues affecting the community, alleging that members of the caretaker committee overseeing the affairs of the town union were creating confusion and division among the people.
He urged members of the committee to retrace their steps and uphold the original purpose for which it was constituted by the government.
Eze Ngene also appealed to both indigenes and non-indigenes of Nibo to respect the law and maintain peace, stressing the importance of a stable environment to the progress and development of the community. The monarch acknowledged the presence of the traditional rulers of Okpuno and Enugwu-Ukwu communities, Igwe Okafor and Igwe Ralph Ekpe, respectively, and expressed appreciation for their attendance.
The traditional Prime Minister of Nibo, Chief Robins Obi-Ezeani, described the new yam festival as an important occasion for conviviality, unity and togetherness. Chief Obi-Ezeani commended Eze Ngene for his leadership and called on the people of Nibo to remain united and work collectively towards the progress and development of the community.
In their goodwill messages, the member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Prof. Lilian Orogbu; the Mayor of Awka South Local Government Area, Mr. Chinedu Okafor; and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for Awka North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Obi Nwankwo, congratulated the traditional ruler and people of Nibo on the successful celebration. They also prayed for continued peace, prosperity and progress for the monarch and the entire community.
The celebration featured colourful performances by masquerade and cultural dance groups, who paid homage to the traditional ruler and presented various gift items. Guests were also treated to an array of yam-based delicacies and other traditional meals, adding colour and excitement to the event as Nibo Community celebrated and showcased its rich cultural heritage.
Obianuju Azukaego is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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