Chinedum Elekwachi
Traditional ruler of Uke in Idemili North Local government area of Anambra State, Igwe Charles Agbala has urged youths in the state to embrace the 1 Youth 2 skills scheme of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration which has given employment to several youths in the state.
Speaking at his palace during his 9th New Yam Festival at Uke, the monarch said having one source of income is no longer enough to meet up with myriads of responsibilities in the present Nigerian ailing economy.
He further advised Ndigbo to go back to farming which has also been exemplified by the governor and his wife Dr. Nonye through the ongoing ‘Own your own garden initiative’.
He said, “Our parents were known for owning their own garden as we were growing up before the drive for trading or White-collar jobs came.
“The genesis of iwa- ji started because everyone had a garden. Yam being the king of crops was celebrated to thank God for a successful harvest and farming season believing that showing such appreciation would yield bumper harvests in the next planting season.
“People complain of yam theft after cultivating at their farmland located at the outskirts of the community but there is a new method of getting fertile soil from any part of the state which one can put in sacks or empty cement bags to plant yams in one’s compound.
Farming minimizes hunger
“Farming will minimize hunger. Governor Soludo has his own personal garden and his wife has her own garden too. Why should every one of us not have same?
“I also urge youths to abstain from hard drugs, social vices and criminal idolatry which many youths indulge in the quest to amass quick wealth. There are repercussions in the long run.
“Fetishism and using human beings for ritual money is not part of our tradition. Those claiming to be male or female native doctors should be wary.
“Make sure you get registered with the state government so that we can know your area of specialization.”
The royal father called on people of the state to support Governor Soludo’s administration which had accomplished many feats and deserved to go for second term to enable him finish his ongoing projects and programs.
He also urged people of his community to join politics so they could benefit more dividends of democracy.
“If you leave politics for the bad eggs or loafers it will affect everyone.
“People of integrity should not shy away but can get into politics and bring desirable positive changes in the society,” he added.
President General of Uke, Chief Peter Onyejegbu thanked God for providing resources for Uke Traditional Ruler and the entire community to celebrate the New Yam for the 9th year of the monarch.
He prayed for God’s continued blessings on all Uke people, especially those willing to use their wealth to contribute to the development of their community.
