KEY POINTS
- Igwe Asadu calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu to stabilize the Southeast.
- New Yam Festival culture and agriculture are emphasized by Monarch.
- Enugu government backs festival to support farmers and cultural heritage.
Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu, representing the Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council, made the call during the 2024 New Yam Festival at Edem Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom, Nsukka, where he asked the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu, as his continued detention fuels insecurity in the Southeast.
Monarch urges the release of Nnamdi Kanu
The monarch urged President Bola Tinubu to release Kanu first, saying the region could be stabilized politically.
The event, a thanksgiving for a successful harvest also presented the monarch to be able to speak on the importance of agriculture.
‘So, Iwa Ji is a key traditional practice that sustains our culture and yam farming is a symbol of prosperity,’ Igwe Asadu said while encouraging the citizens to be involved in farming.
He praised Governor Peter Mbah for taking good care of the community such as providing local agricultural support and the setting up of a smart school.
Celebrating culture and supporting farmers
However, Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture, Patrick Uburu said the government will encourage the festival as part of promoting local farming in Enugu state.
He stressed the state contribution towards supporting of genuine farmers towards food security and also to ensure food preservation.
In his welcome address, Chief Chidi Ezema, Chairman of the occasion, stated that the festival was revived in Igwe Asadu’s era and what it means in helping our people in whatever community they find themselves, to have some sense of pride in our culture as people and also the role the festival plays in unifying our people together.
According to Vanguard, different cultural displays were showcased at the event including traditional masquerades and yam barns to mark the rich Igbo heritage and to, as in many other years, point to another successful one under Igwe Asadu’s leadership.
