Eze Nicholas Njoku Celebrates New Yam, Emphasises Unity, Detrabalisation

By Ikechi Elenwoke*

Ejigbo, Lagos: Eze Ambassador Nicholas Njoku, the Eziokwu Bu Ndu 1 and Eze NdIgbo of Ejigbo, hosted a vibrant New Yam festival in his Obi Ndigbo Palace, bringing together cultural enthusiasts, traditional rulers, government officials, and market leaders from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

The festival, a celebration of the yam harvest and a tribute to Mother Earth, Ala, for her bounty, underscored the importance of the king crop in Igbo tradition.

Njoku emphasised that the celebration also serves as a platform for Igbo youth, particularly those born and raised in Lagos, to connect with their heritage and cultural practices.

The event featured cultural dance groups, musical bands, and the conferment of chieftaincy titles to six individuals, selected based on their integrity and commitment to upholding standards. No monetary contributions were requested for these titles, Njoku stressed.

Awards were also presented to deserving individuals who demonstrated exceptional contributions in various fields.

Njoku highlighted the significance of the festival for fostering unity and understanding, stating, “We have a very smooth relationship with the grassroots of every tribe. The problem we have is usually the politicians.

“They put knives on the strings that hold us together, they make sure we don’t have a common voice and they keep bringing in all sorts of gimmicks to divide us.”

Responding to questions about his relationship with the host community, Njoku affirmed his commitment to fostering a harmonious coexistence among all ethnic groups in Ejigbo.

He pointed to the large turnout of Yoruba and Hausa individuals at the festival, despite the lack of formal invitations, as evidence of his inclusivity.

He stressed the importance of detribalized leadership, emphasizing that a leader must be concerned with the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity.

Addressing the economic challenges facing the community, Njoku highlighted the role of the Eze’s palace in providing support and assistance to those in need.

He expressed the need for government assistance in addressing the financial strain faced by the community.

Despite the lack of government funding, he remains committed to supporting his community through his NGO and Igbo language school.

Doctor Mrs Carole Aniagba, one of the newly appointed chiefs, expressed her gratitude for the honour and vowed to work tirelessly for the betterment of the Igbo community and humanity at large.

The New Yam festival in Ejigbo serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural preservation, community engagement, and the pursuit of unity and understanding across ethnic divides.