By Michael Ezenwata
The Okpeze community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State has celebrated its 2026 New Yam Festival, with its nonagenarian traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Innocent Onwumelu, leading the celebration.
Igwe Onwumelu, who is 90 years old and has been on the throne for 50 years, received his certificate of recognition in 1976 during the administration of Lt. Col. John Atom Kpera as Military Governor of the old Anambra State. His message at this year’s festival was delivered by his Palace Secretary, Pastor Nnaemeka Okoli.
In his address, the monarch described the New Yam Festival as a testimony to the community’s commitment to preserving its rich Igbo cultural heritage and as an avenue for indigenes at home and in the diaspora to cross-fertilize ideas on communal development.
He used the occasion to call for peace, unity and reconciliation in Okpeze, urging indigenes to eschew hatred, division, suspicion and selfish interests that hinder progress.
The royal father emphasized the need for investment in human capital development, particularly among youths, through education, vocational skills, professional training, entrepreneurship and technology.
On community issues, Igwe Onwumelu addressed the lingering crisis over the Mamu Forest Reserve released to the community by the state government, which has led to division and the suspension of the elected Town Union executive. He called on all stakeholders to embrace dialogue and unite to harness the forest as a valuable communal resource.
He commended the Anambra State Government for the provision of electricity, the establishment of Community Secondary School, Okpeze, and the ongoing construction of a model primary school in the community, while appealing for the completion of the Federal Primary Health Centre and the Ndiukwuenu-Okpeze-Amaetiti-Awgbu road, including the bridge across the Mamu River.
The monarch also disclosed plans to strengthen his cabinet by appointing respected elders into the Igwe-in-Council to enhance traditional governance.
The event, held on October 16, featured the traditional cutting of the new yam by the Igwe, spiritual exhortations, masquerade displays and goodwill messages from community leaders, including Chief Donatus Nwafor, the traditional Prime Minister, who announced plans to celebrate Igwe Onwumelu’s 50 years on the throne.
Michael Ezenwata is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
