By Chukwuka Ugokwe
The Traditional Ruler of Ebenebe in Awka North local government area of Anambra state, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Christopher Nnaegbuna, has challenged young people to embrace agriculture as pathway to prosperity instead of crime and idleness.
Nnaegbuna who gave the advice during the New Yam Festival of the community held at his palace, stressed that agriculture could defeat laziness and poverty.
According to him, mechanised farming remains essential for improving productivity, creating employment and attracting greater government investment to rural communities.
“Today marks the 29th edition of the Arum Ji Ebenebe celebration under my reign. It is a festival of thanksgiving for a successful harvest and opportunity to strengthen peace, unity and development in our community.
“Farming built the foundation of Ebenebe’s success. Most educated sons and daughters from Ebenebe, including myself, were raised by farming families. I still farm with my children.
“Our forefathers were renowned farmers, and that legacy must continue. The younger generation must return to agriculture rather than roaming the streets or engaging in criminal activities. God has blessed Ebenebe with fertile soil”, he said.
Describing the festival as powerful instrument for social harmony in a community located along strategic border corridor, Nnaegbuna restated his administration’s commitment to ensuring Ebenebe remained peaceful and secure.
He dismissed media reports linking criminal incidents to Ebenebe, disclosing introduction of laws discouraging violence, cultism and use of weapons during disputes.
“Idleness breeds crime. When young people are productively engaged in farming, they are less likely to join cult groups or engage in criminal activities,” he advised.
Also speaking, the Traditional Prime Minister (Onowu) of Ebenebe, Chief Joe Nwaegu, said the ceremony marked completion of the agricultural cycle that began with the cultivation festival earlier in the year.
“Earlier in March, we marked the farming season, and now we celebrate the successful harvest of our farm produce,” he said.
According to Nwaegu, the celebration began with a Holy Mass officiated by four Catholic priests before traditional rites commenced, bringing together the Igwe-in-Council, Ichie and Ozo, Ebenebe Town Union, women’s groups, age grades, families and guests across the state.
“After the ceremonial breaking of the new yam, roasted yam served with palm oil, pepper and ọba became the first communal meal shared by hundreds of participants, symbolising gratitude and abundance,” he said.
The royal father further disclosed that the celebration had grown from modest community gathering into a major cultural event, attracting visitors from within and outside Anambra.
“While previous generations celebrated mainly in village markets before returning home for family feasts, today’s festival incorporates broader community participation and organised cultural activities.
“One of its biggest attractions is the annual yam competition, where farmers present their largest harvests.
“The biggest yam is determined scientifically using a weighing scale rather than estimation. The winner receives a substantial cash prize of about ₦3 million,” he revealed.
The President General of the community, Raymond Arinze, appreciated everyone that graced the occasion, particularly visitors to the community, describing the festival as opportunity to appreciate God for the gift of yam.
The President General of the women wing of the community, Mrs Theresa Okonkwo, appreciated the peace the community has enjoyed under the leadership of Igwe Nnaegbuna, calling for sustained synergy to keep the community perpetually in peace.
The festival attracted several aspirants for various elective positions in the 2027 elections alongside political stakeholders, as well as members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the community, who joined families, kindreds, community groups in paying homage to the traditional ruler.
Chukwuka Ugokwe is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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