Eze Nwokedi Hosts Vibrant New Yam Festival, Confers Chieftaincy Titles In Lagos

By Ikechi Elenwoke

Ijegun/Ijedodo, Lagos – Eze Dr Chika Nwokedi, the traditional ruler of the Igbo communities in Ijegun/Ijedodo, Alimosho area of Lagos, recently hosted a grand celebration of his 2024 new yam festival.

Hundreds of cultural enthusiasts, high-profile government officials, traditional rulers, and prominent Igbo figures from across the Southeast and beyond flocked to the Obi Chukwukwu palace for the event.

The celebration wasn’t just about the new yam harvest; it also served as a platform to honour distinguished Igbo sons and daughters for their contributions to humanity.

Four individuals were bestowed with chieftaincy titles: High Chief Obiora Okonkwo, High Chief Udegbe Silvester Chioma, High Chief Dr Ndubuisi Ubemandu, and High Chief Christian Ikechi Uwaeme.

The ceremony was accompanied by lively traditional dances and masquerades, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Eze Nwokedi emphasised the significance of the bestowed titles, stating, “These chieftaincy titles are being conferred on you today in recognition of your various individual contributions to humanity in our community.

“I hereby advise you to maintain a good job and avoid any act capable of tarnishing your image.  It is also to know that the new status has placed you on higher responsibilities, and more public expectations.”

Chief Ifeanyi Iguegbe, one of the newly appointed chiefs, highlighted the historical and socioeconomic importance of the “iriji” (new yam) ceremony for Igbo people worldwide.

Chief Martins Ifenedebem, the chairman of the occasion and a former president of the Electrical Dealers Association of Nigeria, elaborated on the cultural significance of the yam as the “king crop” in Igbo land.

He emphasised its vital role in Igbo society, bringing relief from hunger after the planting season and holding a deeply symbolic position within the community.

Eze Nwokedi, also the Chairman of Eze Ndigbo Lagos State, urged his community to cultivate their yams rather than solely relying on market purchases.

He also stressed the importance of land ownership and building shelters for families, rather than spending exorbitant sums on luxury cars.

“How can you be living in somebody’s house and be using a Jeep worth ten million naira? There is no sense in that,” he remarked, emphasising the need for responsible financial practices and prioritising basic needs.

Lolo Ugoeze Tessy Chika Nwokedi, Eze’s wife, demonstrated her commitment to community support by distributing gifts to widows and other attendees.

The family pledged to empower over 100 widows and widowers this coming December and appealed to well-wishers to join them in supporting the less privileged.

The Eze Nwokedi’s 2024 New Yam celebration was not merely a cultural event but a testament to the community’s values of honouring achievement, preserving cultural heritage and fostering a sense of social responsibility.

The event showcased the resilience, spirit, and unity of the Igbo community in Lagos, reaffirming their dedication to progress and shared well-being.