From TCNEWS
The Umuahia North Traditional Rulers Council, comprising of traditional rulers from Ohuhu clan and Ibeku clan recently celebrated the 2024 new yam festival in grand style with special recognitions conferred on their Illustrious sons.
Those honoured with royal service award include: Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency; Mayor of Umuahia North L.G.A, High-Chief Victor Ikeji, Ph.D, Chief Kenneth Ukeagu, founder of CONNAK Foundation; High-Chief Chris Akachukwu (Nwa Abia), among others.
In his address shortly before honouring the distinguished personalities during the 2024 Umuahia North Iwaji (New Yam Festival), at the Umuahia North Council headquarters, the Chairman Umuahia North Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Innocent Adiele Nwaigwe, pointed out that the traditional and cultural attributes of the people of Umuahía North predates modern history.
He said that Umuahia people are renowned for their exploits in agriculture and farming, which the legendary Dr Michael Okpara, former Premier of defunct Eastern region advocated and promoted through the establishment of different farm settlements in the area and beyond.
He said that the Iwa Ji (Iri Ji) has become an integral part of the cultural life of the Ohuhu and Ibeku clans, as it marks the beginning of the new yam harvest season which is a symbol of abundance and prosperity in the land.
He appreciated the traditional rulers of Umuahia North for recognizing the fact that the two clans of Ohuhu and Ibeku are interconnected historically and culturally, and for their wisdom in the use of culture to foster peace and unity, within the two great cultural clans that constituted Umuahia North.
He urged all the political office holders in Umuahia North to help Governor Alex Otti to develop the area and drive development down to the grassroots.
His words, “The economic realities of today do not discriminate, the traditional rulers need all the encouragement and support to perform their duties in maintaining law and order in the communities. The traditional instítution as we are aware, plays a vital role in sustaining peace, and ín the preservation of the customs of the people”.
Eze Nwaigwe among other traditional rulers described the Mayor, as a worthy son who has performed creditably well since his appointment.
They further stated that the Mayor’s development strides are visible in all nooks and crannies of the council.
They assured him of their support and prayers to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.
Responding, the Mayor of Umuahia North Council, High-Chief Victor Ikeji, reiterated his commitment to improving governance and the quality of lives of the people of Umuahia North.
The event had in attendance dignitaries who include: the Governor of the state, Dr. Alex Otti represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, Chief Charles Ogbonna, (Evulogu), Paramount Chief Charles Onwueme, traditional Rulers and other prominent sons and daughters from Umuahia and beyond, top government functionaries and captains of industries.