The Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has emphasized the symbolic significance of yam in Igbo tradition, describing it as the chief crop that represents all other farm produce and reflects hard work, abundance, and gratitude to God.

Engr. Emetu made this statement during the 2025 Ohafia New Yam Festival (Iri Ji Ohamoha), held at Achichi, Elu Ohafia, in the Ohafia Local Government Area. Accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, the Deputy Governor expressed gratitude to God for another fruitful farming season. He noted that the annual celebration signifies not only the end of a successful agricultural year but also the beginning of a new era of progress and development within the Ohafia ancient clan.

He commended the Council of Ohafia Monarchs, led by His Royal Paramountcy, Eze Elder Awa Oji Udonsi, Udumeze of Ohafia and Chairman of the Ohafia Council of Monarchs, for their unwavering commitment to preserving, promoting, and protecting the cultural values and traditions of Ohafia land.

Engr. Emetu also thanked the 2025 Iri Ji Ohamoha Planning Committee for their dedication and meticulous organization, as well as the entire Ohafia community for their steadfast support of Governor Alex Otti’s administration. He highlighted that the government remains committed to rural development, cultural renaissance, and infrastructural renewal across Abia State.

In his royal address, Eze Awa Oji Udonsi emphasized that the New Yam Festival, which has been celebrated for generations, serves as a unifying cultural expression through which their forefathers, primarily farmers, celebrated God’s blessings and the fruits of their labor. He thanked God for the bountiful harvests of the season and reaffirmed the commitment of the Council of Monarchs to uphold their shared heritage and unity.

Also addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the 2025 Iri Ji Ohamoha Planning Committee, Chief Kalu Ikpemini, described the festival as a deeply spiritual and symbolic event. He emphasized that it is a time to acknowledge hard work, honor tradition, and celebrate the abundance bestowed upon the people of Ohafia by God. He expressed gratitude to Governor Otti and the Deputy Governor for their responsive leadership and for approving the rehabilitation and reconnection of Ohafia to the national electricity grid, which he described as “a major milestone in restoring hope and light to Ohafia land.”

The event was well attended by dignitaries from within and outside the state, including Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, the Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency; Prof. Kenneth Kalu, FCA, the Secretary to the State Government; Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna SAN, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Mr. David Kalu, the Commissioner for Science and Technology; Prof. Eme Uche Eme, the Commissioner for Tertiary Education; Col. Ezichi Kalu (Rtd), DG of the Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency; Chief Elenya Ojuu Kalu, the Mayor of Ohafia LGA; top government officials; business leaders; traditional rulers; community leaders; women and youth groups; and cultural troupes.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, KSJI
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Abia State
25th October 2025