Edem-Ani New Yam Festival: Igwe Asadu Advocates Youth Empowerment, Agricultural Revival, Better Healthcare
By Uche Eze, Nsukka
The traditional ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, HRM Igwe Sir Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, has called for increased investment in youth empowerment, agriculture, education, healthcare and security as strategies for accelerating community development.
Igwe Asadu made the call during the 2026 New Yam Festival of the ancient kingdom, held on Saturday, October 17, which attracted traditional rulers, community leaders, title holders, indigenes and well-wishers from within and outside the community.
Igwe Asadu flanked by other traditional rulers and dignitaries while performing the yam cutting rite
The monarch stressed that cultural festivals should go beyond merrymaking to inspire unity, preserve ancestral heritage and mobilise collective action towards sustainable development.
He disclosed plans to reactivate the Eke Edem-Ani International Market to stimulate commercial activities, while proposing agricultural exhibitions and prizes for farmers who record outstanding harvests.
Recalling that 48 indigenes from Edem-Akpa, Ozi, Edem-Ani and Ugwu Na Agbo participated in a skills acquisition programme in Abuja in May 2024, Igwe Asadu urged the beneficiaries to translate the knowledge and resources available to them into productive ventures that would benefit both themselves and the community.
He also highlighted the contributions of the Edem-Ani Community Hospital, which provides free medical services to residents and people beyond the kingdom.
On youth development, the traditional ruler advocated the establishment of vocational training centres to equip young people with practical skills in tailoring, welding, information and communication technology, hairdressing and solar installation.
He equally cautioned youths against drug abuse and cultism, urging them to embrace education, vocational training and other legitimate means of livelihood.
On security, Igwe Asadu commended the community’s security personnel and community policing efforts, calling on residents to cooperate with security operatives to sustain peace and protect lives and property.
The monarch expressed appreciation to his Council and inner Cabinet members for their counsel and commitment to the kingdom’s progress. He also acknowledged the contributions of local farmers, noting that the cultivation of yam, cocoyam, cassava and other crops remained central to the celebration.
“I cannot thank our sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora enough for their magnanimity and love for Edem-Ani. I also thank all the traditional rulers, friends and well-wishers who honoured my invitation and those who made personal sacrifices to ensure the success of this event,” he said.
He urged the people to draw inspiration from the festival to strengthen their bonds of unity and renew their commitment to the kingdom’s advancement.
The President-General of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom, Chief Comrade Obute Jude Chinelo, described the festival as a vital platform for preserving the community’s cultural heritage. He commended Igwe Asadu’s leadership and called on the people to sustain their support for initiatives aimed at advancing the kingdom.
Similarly, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Silas Ifeanyi, popularly known as Babaedem, praised the monarch’s resilience and developmental strides, urging the community to remain united in pursuit of progress.
The festival featured masquerade displays, traditional dances, wrestling, barn exhibitions and the presentation of yams to royal fathers, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Edem-Ani.
The annual celebration, also known as Iri-Ji or Iwa-Ji, is a significant tradition among the Igbo, symbolising gratitude for the harvest, respect for farmers’ labour and the preservation of cultural identity.
The event attracted traditional rulers from communities across-the-board. Among the royal fathers in attendance were HRH Igwe Patrick Okolo, HRH Igwe Innocent Alachi, and HRH Igwe Godwin Ugwueze. Also present was Professor Mark Nnanyelugo Okoro of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, who bears the traditional title of Ozo Ugomsinachi, Asogwa Uwani Okped’Uwwan Onyishi Oga and Ven. Prof. Collins Ugwu.
Other dignitaries included Chief Onyema Idoko, Hon. Francis Ezema, High Chief Innocent Emeka, Chief John Okanyi, Chief of Staff to HRM Igwe Asadu; Hon. Chief Cyril Chika Ugwuja, also known as Ozo Okomanyi, Chief Emma Asadu, Edoga David Ajibo, Chief Sir David Ogbonnaya Ugwu, the Onowu of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Ancient Kingdom, Her Royal Majesty, Happiness Eberechukwu Asadu and Princess Ada Imo.
The 2026 edition underscored the enduring role of traditional institutions and cultural festivals in fostering community solidarity, promoting agricultural development and inspiring collective efforts towards a more prosperous future.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
