TCNews

From TCNEWS

Ata Igbo Ukwu Umuzomgbo autonomous community, Ihechiowa in Arochukwu L.G.A, of Abia State, Saturday, celebrated their age-long tradition of new yam festival (Iri Ji).

The Iri Ji Ata Igbo Ukwu has become a festival now known far and wide because of the high value, the traditional ruler of the community and the ninth Chairman of Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Linus Ntoh Mba, has placed on it.

HRH Eze Linus Ntoh Mba, cutting the new yam.

In a welcome address, the ninth Chairman of Abia State Traditional Rulers Council and traditional ruler of Ata Igbo Ukwu Umuzomgbo autonomous community, HRH Eze Linus Ntoh Mba advised the government to encourage agriculture, for a viable and sustainable economy.

Eze Mba, who said that the importance of agriculture cannot be overemphasized, as it has remained, the main stay of the economy, urged everyone to go back to agriculture.

The Royal father who also described Iri Ji Ata Igbo Ukwu as symbolic, said that it is a celebration of the community’s bountiful harvest and the cultural reawakening of Ata Igbo Ukwu’s long cherished tradition.

He appreciated particularly, the current policies and reforms of Governor Alex Otti, especially, the increase of Traditional Rulers’ stipend from (3%) 3 percent to the constitutional (5%) 5 percent.

He  equally appreciated the governor and his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu for their innovative ideas, and reform agenda, aimed at creating a new Abia, and lifting the people, from poverty through wealth creation.

In a goodwill message, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator representing Abia North senatorial district, who was represented by Chief Maduka Okoro, his media aide, encouraged Eze Mba to continue to worship God and to be one of the best philanthropist in Nigeria.

Earlier in an address, the Chairman on the occasion and Chaplaincy/Dean of Students Affairs, Hugh Goldie Institution, Arochukwu, Most Rev. Ademe Eke, charged the Indigenes of Ata Igbo Ukwu especially the youth to be motivated by the sterling attributes and qualities of Eze Mba and strive to emulate his industrious, hard work, time management, goal setting and visionary leadership skills.

“Let us emulate good things. Let us leave unnecessary gossip and foul talk. Do not empty your future by walking in your own understanding. Locate your own life’s assignment, be wholeheartedly committed to the pursuit of your vision, surrender to God’s leadership and instruction and you will become a success like Eze Mba”, Eke advised.

A former Chairman, Bende Council of Traditional Rulers and Eze Philip Ajomiwe(r) former Chairman, Umuahia North Council of Traditional Rulers during the new yam festival.

Rev. Moses Azumah, who represented the President General of Umuzomgbo Development Union, UDU National, Chief Monday Amah in a brief speech, said that the reign of Eze Mba has brought peace and unity in the land and the community is blessed to have him as their king.

He promised on behalf of the community to continue to support him and mobilize all their arsenal to ensure that he succeeds in his lofty goals and dreams for the community as their traditional ruler.

The festival which has grown from strength to strength, saw the Umuzomgbo and Ihechiowa people welcomed dignitaries, entertainers of great repute, top government officials, the body of Abia State Traditional Rulers Council.

Read the full address of the traditional ruler below:

A WELCOME ADDRESS PRESENTED BY HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS EZE SIR LINUS NTO MBAH EZE UDO 1 OF ATA IGBO – UKWU UMUZOMGBO AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY AND CHAIRMAN ABIA STATE TRADITIONAL RULERS COUNCIL ON THE OCCASION OF ATA IGBO – UKWU_ NEW YAM FESTIVAL “IRI JI~ 2023: THIS SATURDAY 26″ DAY OF AUGUST 2023 

It is with great joy,and sense of gratitude to God Almighty that I welcome you all to the 2023 IRI-JI (New Yam Festival) of my community, the Ata Igbo Ukwu Autonomous Community, Umuzomgbo, Ihechiowa in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State. 

The month of August, September and October is very unique as it is set aside by Igbo Nation to celebrate yam, our chief crop. On this occasion, people gather to thank God Almighty, for granting them the enablement to plant, and cultivate their farm produce, and the grace to be alive to harvest them. The importance of agriculture cannot be overemphasized, as it has remained, the main stay of the economy and I urge everyone -to go back to agriculture, even as I plead with government at all levels, to encourage agriculture, for a sustainable economy of the citizenry, as agriculture creates employment for many people. 

This year’s new yam festival is special, and significant to me, in the sense that it is holding after about a week plus, when I was inaugurated the Chairman of Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, by the brand new Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR. May I use this forum to once again appreciate His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for finding me fit to occupy, the position of Chairman of Ndi Eze in the State. It is equally significant, because this is the first time Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu is coming to my IRI-JI as my Deputy Governor. 

I commend Governor Alex Chioma Otti OFR for his avowed determination to create a new Abia, and take the State to higher height. I appreciated particularly, the current policies and reforms of Governor Otti, especially, the increase of Traditional Rulers’ stipend from (3%) 3 percent to the constitutional (5%) 5 percent, and defraying of arrears,of salaries and pensions of the people of the State, and urged him to continue. The launching of “Operation Crush” for optimal security in Abia State, the construction of various road networks, in Aba and Umuahia in spite of rainfalls, renovation and equipment of 3 senatorial hospitals, All these within 85 days. I enjoined Abians to make useful contributions to the development of the State. Your Excellency, Abians are proud of you as we look forward to see more. 

Permit me to use this opportunity, to salute the distinguished Senator, representing Abia North, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (Ikenga 1 of Ata Igbo Ukwu) for the construction of Atani Ihechiowa ring road, Obinto-Uburu Arochukwu Road and Umuzomgbo – Okpo road, work is still in progress to Okpo Ihechiowa. We pray he would complete them in no distance time to enable our people have access road, to convey our agricultural produce. We are really appreciative, of his quality representation at the Senate. 

I wish to commend, the new government in Abia State, led by Dr. Alex Chioma Otti OFR and his Deputy Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu for their innovative ideas, and reform agenda, aimed at creating a new Abia, and lifting the people, from poverty through wealth creation. I also appeal, to the Governor, to consider the construction of a ring road in Thechiowa, particularly, the Umuchiakuma-Amafia Achara-Okpo road. Construction of this long abandoned road, would resuscitate the people’s lives and turn things around for the people in Ihechiowa, _ ” 

Our people oriented Governor; we assure you, and members of your team of our continuous support. 

My dear guests, subjects, brothers and sisters, friends and well-wishers, please, relax and savour the various delicacies, of Ndi Ihechiowa as we enjoy our New Yam today, 

Unu abiale! Kaanu oll 

God bless you all

Signed HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS EZE SIR LINUS NTO MBAH 

Eze Udo 1 of Ata Igbo Ukwu Autonomous Community Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers