Gov Nwifuru felicitates Izzi people on Ojiji Festival as Effium celebrates new yam festival too

Events-Festivals

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has felicitated with the people of the Izzi clan in Ebonyi State as they celebrate their annual New Yam Festival, popularly known as Ojiji.

The governor urged the people to use the occasion to strengthen the bonds of unity among families, kindreds and communities while preserving the cultural heritage handed down by their ancestors.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr Monday Uzor, Nwifuru described the Ojiji festival as more than a cultural celebration, but a reflection of the identity, values and communal strength of the Izzi people.

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“Ojiji is not merely a festival but a sacred expression of who we are as a people, a celebration of the fruits of our labour, the abundance of our land, the wisdom of our ancestors and the enduring strength of our communal bonds,” the governor said.

He stressed the importance of preserving the cultural inheritance of the people and passing it on to future generations amid what he described as the growing erosion of indigenous values and traditions.

“As we gather in our villages, homes and various communities to celebrate Ojiji, I urge every son and daughter of Izzi to remember the virtues that have historically distinguished our people — unity, courage, hospitality, hard work, respect for elders, communal responsibility and love for one another,” he stated.

Nwifuru said he remained proud of the rich cultural heritage of the Izzi people and pledged the continued support of his administration for initiatives aimed at preserving indigenous traditions and promoting the identity of communities across Ebonyi State.

“As your Governor and, more importantly, as your son and brother, I am particularly proud of the rich cultural heritage of Izzi. Our culture is one of the greatest treasures we possess, and my administration will continue to support initiatives that preserve our traditions, promote our indigenous identity and create opportunities for our people to prosper,” he added.

The governor also called on traditional rulers, elders, political leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders to continue working together for the peace, development and progress of Izzi communities.

Meanwhile, the people of Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State also marked their annual New Yam Festival, which culminated in a grand finale on Friday.

The celebration traditionally features the popular Effium puberty passage rites for males and females, known as Male-Leta and Male-Ujojo, respectively, reflecting the community’s rich cultural traditions.

This year’s celebration carries special significance for the people of Effium following years of conflict that ravaged the community and surrounding areas.

Effium has witnessed a prolonged crisis lasting more than five years between the host community and other groups, resulting in deaths, displacement and the destruction of property.

However, peace has gradually begun returning to the troubled community following interventions by the Ebonyi State Government and other stakeholders.

For the people of Effium, the celebration of this year’s New Yam Festival in their ancestral homeland is being viewed as a symbolic return to peace, unity and prosperity.

Governor Nwifuru, who has continued to emphasise his administration’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the area, recently reiterated his resolve to ensure total peace and security in Effium and.

The governor’s administration has identified the restoration of stability in the community as critical to rebuilding its economy and preserving its rich cultural traditions.

Effium was once a notable centre of commerce and cultural activities in Ebonyi State, and residents now hope that the return of peace will restore the community’s prosperity and allow its people to rebuild their lives.