The people of Mburubu in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State on Tuesday celebrated their New Yam Festival, an event that has become the talk of the town and one of the best in recent years for the community.
The 2024 New Yam Festival, hosted by a son of the soil, Engr. Dr. Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, Ezediọramma 1 of Mburubu, brought together dignitaries from various walks of life who joined in celebrating with the community members.
Speaking with newsmen, Dr. Onuokaibe described the event as a tribute to yam, an important agricultural product revered in Igbo and Nkanu custom and tradition. “This celebration is important as it brings us all together to honor yam and support our farmers’ work,” he said. “The term ‘ịgba-Aju’ marks the unity of our community as we thank God for the harvest.”
On why he hosted this year’s event, Dr. Onuokaibe explained that the community asked him to lead them, a role he accepted, and as part of his responsibilities, organizing the New Yam Festival became essential as a way of thanking God for a bountiful harvest. “I accepted to lead and was honored to host this celebration for our good harvest,” he shared, adding that the Ákwá Mburubu group, which unites all the traditional chief priests in Mburubu land, endorsed him.
Dr. Onuokaibe also praised the leadership of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, highlighting his commitment to urban and rural development, including the construction of a Type 2 hospital and a smart school in Mburubu, and the appointment of their son, Prince Lawrence Ozoemena Ezeh, to his cabinet. Describing Governor Mbah as a “talk and do” leader, he added, “Our governor is a true example of action. His development work is visible in every part of the state.”
He further commended Governor Mbah’s support for culture and tourism and for his commitment to improving the welfare of workers by approving a minimum wage of ₦80,000. “Governor Mbah’s support for our cultural heritage and his commitment to workers’ welfare are inspiring,” he stated.
Representing the Ndị Nze na Ọzọ Mburubu, Chief Chukwudi Sylvanus Frankline, Ọzọ Omemgbeoji 1, described the 2024 yam festival as the most remarkable and unifying event for the community. He noted that Dr. Onuokaibe, who is their chosen traditional ruler, has demonstrated what the community can achieve with strong leadership, adding, “With him, we see a brighter future for our community, and he has our full support.”
Chief Frankline also expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah for agreeing to begin road construction in their community, a project long ignored by previous administrations. “We are grateful to the governor for hearing our plea to improve our road, a need that past governments ignored,” he expressed.
In his remarks, former Arsenal, Ajax, and Portsmouth FC striker, and Super Eagles legend, Kanu Nwankwo praised Dr. Jerry Onuokaibe for his efforts to unite his people with this special event. He encouraged all Mburubians to support Dr. Onuokaibe’s vision for progress, saying, “Dr. Jerry has shown great love and commitment to his people. I am proud to stand by him as a friend and supporter.”
The festival also featured cultural dance groups from seven Villages in Mburubu, performances by music icons Anyidons, Onyeoma Tochukwu, Ulaga, Ajọ Ofia Nnewi other guests includes, Dubby Gustavo, Okoh Emmanuel Onyekachi, also known as Okwuruora ndị Igbo,Igwe Okeke Arum of Mbulu Owo, Chairman Nkanu East traditional Rulers Council, Ìgwè Hyceint Edeani ,Ijele Aguleri,Ike Ibagwa, lucky Luciano amongst others.
