Worried by the declining interest in farming by Nigerian youths, particularly, Igbo youths, governments at all levels in Nigeria have been advised to introduce and encourage farming for food security in the country.
This advice came, weekend from the Traditional Prime Minister, TPM of Umuopara Ahia Asaa, in Umuahia South all LGA of Abia State, High Chief Acho Hawkins Uluocha on the occasion of their 2nd Umuopara Ahia-Asaa (Umuopara seven markets) clan’s new yam festival.
High Chief Uluocha advised, particularly south east governments that. “The good thing about civilization is that there is mechanized farming and we are hoping that governments at all levels will introduce and encourage mechanized farming so that there will be more food and food security through our industrious youths”.
Popularly called Hawks. the TPM expressed his regretted that Ndigbo now depend on imported yams from beyond the zone for food, and advised that Ndigbo should encourage their youths to embrace farming, advising further, “after building your house, make space at your backyard to grow yam, okro, pepper and others and start from there.
“Our youths, boys and girls in Igboland no longer farm, warning, “if you don’t put your hand to the soil, you will not eat” and prayed that youths should try to embrace farming.
He described the event as wonderful, adding that in the past, men married many wive’s to enable them beget many sons that will be strong enough to farm, stating that men then are known by their strength in yam farming and the number of yam barns they have, hence the Eze Ji (Yam King) title of old.
He regretted “but civilization and the church and our people are allowing our culture to die. We are now trying to remember and revive what was long forgotten. Our occasion is cultural revival.
“We are proud of what we are doing. For Umuihe community to host this year’s event means recognition and is something we cannot forget. Now we have handed over the batton of next year’s celebration to another community for the 2024 New Yam celebration, and now this has been done, every of the 13 autonomous communities in Umuopara can now start their own new yam festival.
Meanwhile, the chairman, Umuopara Council of Traditional Rulers, and Ohazurumee of Dim-na-Opara Ancient Kingdom, HRM Eze Wisdom Ekueku said was to express their common identity.
He noted, “We are people united by common history, culture, custom, tradition and heritage. The Iwa-ji festival is one of the cultural traditions we inherited from our ancestors.
“Today, history has offered us another opportunity to express our common identity and unity. Today’s event marks the commencement of Iri-ji (new yam) festival in our different communities”.
Umuopara clan, originally seven autonomous communities, is now 13 autonomous communities “due to administrative convenience”, Eze Ekueku said and further explained, “we gathered here to appreciate God for a successful farming season and harvest and to intercede for the success of a new season.
“The significance of yam cultivation and preservation of Igbo culture is because yam is the most cherished and respected crop among the Igbos. Currently, yam is still the core of social and religious life of Ndi Igbo and therefore occupies a sacred position in Igbo cosmetology”.
Hopefully he said, “The advent of mechanization offers the potential to revolutionize the agricultural sector, increase output and reduce labour/intensive effort.
“The sector’s progress hinges on a dynamic shift towards modern practices that enhance efficiency, productivity and sustainability, hence the need for innovation and technology in our approach to agriculture.
He however lamented, “culture and language are vanishing due to lack of awareness therefore, the need for us to preserve our cultural heritage, beliefs, arts, practices, institutions, values, customs, traditions or social behaviours significant to Ndi Igbo as a people. The best way to preserve our culture is to use them often as we can”, advising, “It is necessary that parents engage their children productively through activities that will hone their cultural environment”.
In his welcome address, a paramount leader, High Chief Ichie Nwachukwu Oleka described the occasion as one “that ushers in a new season and portrays the diverse cultural heritage of Umuopara while re-establishing viable culture and investment opportunities within the various communities”, while a foremost chief and industrial paint manufacturer, Chief Bright Chimezie Nwaiwu affirmed that the even is devoid of fetish practices.
Accordingly, an educationist school proprietor, Chief Smart Nwokorie said “the festival is in order and ought to be done” and thanked Eze Ekueku for sustaining what he started last year, describing him as ” epitome of culture”.
“The door for new yam celebration has opened and God is actually with Umuopara community, blessed and secured. We need to sustain and maintain what we are already doing”, he said and urged doubting Thomases that the festival is God-centered.
He described the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia at the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha as “a man that actually appreciates the people that helped him win election and thanked him for paying back for what the people have done for him”.
Nwokorie extended his appreciation to the facilitator of the event and the Traditional Prime Minister of Umuopara Ahia Asaa, High Chief Acho Hawkins Uluocha, describing him as “a Traditional Prime Minister per excellence and brain box” of the event, “celebral and philanthropic”.
According to the Local Organizing Committee chairman, Evang. Ndubuisi Ahiwe, said new yam celebration in Umuopara is not fetish and advised those who don’t observe it that their unbelief is a “misinterpretation”.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion and member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia at the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha urged the people to have faith in God even as they celebrate, commending them for having the reason to help vote him in the last general election and assured of remembering them in his infrastructure agenda. He urged the clan to maintain their noble culture.
