Chinedum Elekwachi
Ndigbo resident in cities across Nigeria and in diaspora have been urged to consider making new yam festival as flagship occasion for strengthening bonds of kinship unity, peace and progress.
Chairman of Umuoba Anam Development Council, UADC, Awka Branch, Mr Samuel Udefi gave the advice while speaking with newsmen during the 2025 Otite Anam celebration hosted by the town union for indigenes resident in Awka, Anambra State capital.
Udefi described Otite Anam (New Yam) festival as one of the most significant events in Igboland.
He said that being a thanksgiving feast, such festival should be celebrated together at town union level everywhere.
“Even though we all celebrated Otite Anam on August 17 that was set aside for it, we decided to also celebrate it together on the day of our monthly meeting.
“This is because we know that it will bring our people together to share that special moment of thanksgiving and gratitude to God for sustaining us through the hard times until this harvest period.
Good attendance
He said, “As you can see, many people, including those who had not been regular at our meetings and other events, showed up because they don’t want to miss out on this special occasion.
“I’m using this opportunity to appeal to other town unions or community-based groups to see this annual festival as a special occasion.
“They should use it to reach out to their members and bring everybody together for large feasting. It’s different from end of the year celebration.
“I’m also urging Ndi Anam to always make out time to come back home for Oote Anam celebration since it’s the only revered Thanksgiving celebration of our people.
“Other neighboring communities are doing theirs and we see how rich it’s used to be because of the turn-out of their children living in different places”, he stressed.
Earlier, Udefi thanked members for not only supporting the occasion with donations but also turning up to be part of it.
“We are grateful for your generous donation towards this occasion and also the massive turnout of our people.
“We also commend council exco for their team work and steadfastness,” he said.
Chief host of the event, Mr Benjamin Ndive, had earlier performed special kola nuts and wine libation prayers, for peace, unity and prosperity of members.
Among dignitaries at the event were former Executive Chairman of Anambra East LGA, Mr Fidel Okafor, former secretary to Anambra State Local Government Service Commission and former Treasurer, Anambra West LGA, Mr. Stan Nwattah.
Others were Chairman of APGA, Anambra East, Mr Joseph Ekwealor, Mr Joseph Onyeka Anikpeh, Mr. Emma Okeke, and Mr. Chikeluo Anizor, former PDP House of Assembly Candidate for Anambra East Constituency.
