By Ginika Oguji
The Chief Medical Director of Comprehensive Medical Centre Awkuzu, Dr. Adaobi Odina and the entire staff of the centre, attended the annual Awkuzu New Yam Festival held at the Palace of HRH, Igwe Prof. Charles Anikweze, Nnamenyi III of Awkuzu Ibilibe Ogada Kingdom.
Speaking to the press, Dr Odina described the New Yam Festival as a cultural practice that roots to the Igbo’s belief of the supremacy of God as the giver of all accomplishments, thus the must need of appreciation and gratitude to the Almighty.
The 2025 Awkuzu Iwa Ji was more than a feast of yam according to the CMD, but a fusion of heritage, modern leadership and church, an indication that most of our traditional practices can equally synchronise with the church in shaping the identity and aspirations of our people.
Earlier during an interdenominational church service to kick start the Iwa ji Awkuzu, Ven. Dr. Louis Ezenwata of St James Anglican Church Akwuzu, expressed deep gratitude to God for a fruitful harvest season and commended Igwe Anikweze for kick starting the Iwa ji with the order of worship to the Almighty God.
Expressing delight on the turn out of guests at his palace for the Iwa ji festival, Igwe Anikweze thanked God for the gift of yam, the king of crops, prayed for peace and unity in Akwuzu, Anambra and Nigeria at large.
Cutting the well prepared roasted yam and taking a bite of it which signifies that the Igwe has eaten the New yam and so, ndi Awkuzu can now eat the new yam, the Igwe showered his royal blessings on his subjects and guests.
Igwe Anikweze commending the administrative competence of the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, prayed for a successful and peaceful state election on November 8.
Expressing his deep appreciation to God for a successful harvest, the President General of Awkuzu Progressive Union, Dr. Ejike Ogoegbunam appreciated the guests that graced the occasion and prayed for the peace and unity of Awkuzu.
The event also featured traditional display of masquerades, dances and representation of award prizes to the winners of Awkuzu young mathematicians competition and Awkuzu best teachers award, an initiative of the Charles Anikweze Awkuzu Educational Foundation.
Ginika is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
