AGRICULTURE
Iriji Umuda Isingwu: Abia Deputy Speaker Calls for Preservation of Igbo Cultural Heritage
The Deputy Speaker Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Mmeregini has made a strong case for the preservation of the Igbo cultural heritage especially the annual new yam festival otherwise known as Iriji.
Rt . Hon. Mmeregini made this assertion during the new yam festival of Umuda Isingwu in Umuahia North Local Government Area organised by the Mayor, Chief Smart Iheoma.
The Deputy Speaker described the Iriji festival as a remarkable and iconic culture that is very unique with the Igbos, that needs to be sustained from generation to generation.
Deputy Speaker, Austin Okezie with Mayor of Umuahia North, Hon. Smart Iheoma
According to him, it is a period of thanksgiving to God for a bountiful harvest for the previous farming season, with the expectation of a new farming season that will also be productive.
He used the opportunity to inform that the assembly has already passed a resolution urging the State government through the Ministry of Agriculture to embrace mechanised farming in Abia State agriculture reforms.
Speaking also, the Mayor of Umuahia North, Chief Smart Iheoma thanked the Deputy Speaker for identifying with his people during their new yam festival.
Chief Iheoma also appreciated his people for their peaceful disposition during the festival and called for all to embrace agriculture to ensure food security in the State and country at large.
Performing the traditional ‘iwa ji,’ the Oba of Ekeoba, His Kingship, Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, noted that the Iriji festival is a period to celebrate harvest and to return glory to God for preserving lives between the farming season and harvest time.
Eze Nwokenna used the forum to dispel the notion of unacceptable sacrifice during the period pointing out that the yam festival is significant as it is a period of thanksgiving to the Almighty for bountiful harvest.
In an interview, Eze Chiabuotu Emenike of Eziama/Mgbaja Autonomous Community, called on Ndị Igbo to embrace and preserve the good cultural heritage of our people.
Eze Emenike also made a case for all to return to farming as a sure way to food security and grow our economy.
This year’s Iriji festival of Umuda Isingwu, organised by the Mayor of Umuahia North, Chief Smart Iheoma, brought together dignitaries from within and outside the State and featured cultural displays, dance among others.