By Michael Ezenwata
The traditional ruler of Mbosi in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra, Igwe Dr. Gregory Nwokora (Oluoha V), on Sept. 25 held the community’s New Yam Festival for the first time since 2021, following an improvement in security, residents said.
The festival attracted indigenes, traditional rulers and other guests, some of whom had stayed away from the community in previous years because of insecurity.
Nwokora used the occasion to call for peace and unity among the people and commended the Mbosi Town Union, led by its President-General, Chief Innocent Nwabue Ezeihedi, for its support for development efforts in the community.
The Owelle of Mbosi, Chief Evagreen Jude Onyedum, said the community had experienced about five years of stagnation due to insecurity but had begun rebuilding through contributions from indigenes.
Onyedum said the contributions had supported the rehabilitation of St. Augustine’s Secondary School, Community Primary School, Mbosi, and the Civic Centre, as well as the restoration of damaged electricity infrastructure.
He added that he had personally funded the installation of solar powered lighting in some parts of the community.
Ezeihedi said the community had overcome years of insecurity and urged indigenes living at home and abroad to support ongoing development projects.
Emeka Nwokorah, a nephew of the monarch based in the United States, said improved security enabled him to attend the festival for the first time in several years.
Nwokorah also appealed to the Anambra Government to assist in rehabilitating infrastructure damaged during the period of insecurity.
Two prominent indigenes, Chief Nnanyelueze Mgbezute and Chief Virus Ofordum, also spoke on the return of peace and encouraged residents who had relocated because of insecurity to return home.
Ofordum further appealed to the state government for support toward the rehabilitation of infrastructure in the community.
The traditional rulers of Ihiala and Enugwu Umuonyia in Orumba South Local Government Area, Igwe Thomas Obidiegwu and Igwe Peter Ezeamama, attended the festival and expressed solidarity with Nwokora.
The festival featured the traditional cutting of the new yam by the monarch and masquerade displays.
Micheal Ezenwata is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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