By Regina Igwebuike
The Traditional Ruler of Amawbia Community, Awka South LGA, HRH, Igwe Uche Sunday Okonkwo (Okpaligwe Amawbia), has blessed Amawbia land, people, and seedlings, declaring the farming season open at the Eziokpaligwe Festival 2026.
The festival, a traditional and symbolic event, marks the beginning of the farming season, where farm inputs are blessed and shared among the six villages of Amawbia community.
Okpaligwe emphasized the significance of the festival, saying that without it, farming cannot commence.
Okpaligwe announces prizes for top yam-producing villages and individuals: N100,000 for 1st place, N50,000 for 2nd, and N25,000 for 3rd. The gesture aimed at encouraging farmers to strive for excellence.
He noted that Amawbia’s peaceful coexistence is really something to behold, despite internal differences, advising Ndi Amawbia to embrace peace, unity, and development as keys to progress.
He emphasized that Amawbia’s diverse population is a strength, and maintaining harmony is crucial for growth.
Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye, Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, highlights Eziokpaligwe festival’s role in uniting Amawbia people. According to him, the community’s excitement is palpable with the appointment of a traditional ruler, a long-awaited development.
The President General of Amawbia Community, Nze Chukwukadibia Odumodu (Nze Akalanze), highlighted the festival’s importance in fostering love, peace, and unity among the people. Eziokpaligwe is a significant festival in Amawbia, Anambra State, Nigeria, marking the beginning of the farming season.
“The festival is traditionally initiated by Ngene and Umueze villages and was developed from Samba day to Eziokpaligwe day by the Amawbia Town Union, Enugu Branch in 1946.
“The festival signifies the blessing and sharing of farm inputs among the six villages of Amawbia, making it a crucial event for the community’s farming activities. Without Eziokpaligwe, nobody is allowed to farm, emphasizing its importance in the community’s agricultural calendar.
“Eziokpaligwe also promotes love, peace, and unity among the people as they gather to celebrate. The festival features cultural dances, masquerade displays, and the presentation of trophies to outstanding villages.”
He noted that the celebration typically lasts for three days and is attended by indigenes, friends, and well-wishers from within the country and abroad. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together, showcase their cultural heritage, and pray for a bountiful harvest.
Ven Jason Onyeakagbusi, Parish Priest of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Amawbia, led prayers for peace, unity, progress, and financial breakthrough for Amawbia. He blessed farm inputs and prayed for safe farming, also asking God to empower the traditional ruler and president general to uplift the community.
Mr. Chijioke Nwolisa, Chairman of the Cultural Committee, expressed gratitude for the successful Eziokpaligwe festival. He thanked attendees and supporters, praying for God’s abundant rewards.
The event featured prayers for bountiful harvest, good weather, and rainfall. Seedlings of various crops, including yam, cassava stem, maize, and okro, were blessed and distributed to the villages. The festival also showcased cultural performances, including traditional dances and masquerades.
Umueze village with their usual outstanding performance took top spot in finance and cultural display, proving they’re a force to reckon with.
Regina is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
