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From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
The President-General of the Ezumeri community, Oraifite in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Obiora Offor has appealed to the State and Federal governments to give adequate support to subsistence farmers scattered in various communities to enable them do meaningful cultivation that would lead to a bountiful harvest.
Chief Offor made the appeal at Ezumeri to mark the community’s 2023 ili ji (new yam) festival which attracted who is who in the area including those in the diaspora. He said that with more farm inputs the villagers would be able to extend their farming activities which he said would mean more food to the nation.
He noted that when farming became attractive, youths would be interested in taking part in agriculture instead of looking for a place to grab money or engage in criminal activities.
“You plant and harvest and what we do today is to respect the land and to thank God for a good harvest. We need yam seedlings, agricultural loans and other areas of encouragement. Some youths believe in grabbing money and doing illicit things to make it. But with government encouragement in practical terms, more youths will join agriculture as a means of livelihood, “he said.
The Obi Ezumeri, Chief Obiora Obah said the harvest was made according to what one cultivated. To celebrate the event, the Obi said they fed their ancestors, slaughtered rams, killed fowls and other traditional rights according to the customs and traditions of the Ezumeri community and then the living comprising members of the community, invitees, friends and well-wishers would continue the celebration. He assured that the festival never included any fetish practice. He also added his voice for government intervention to encourage the youths to embrace farming.
The Obi said the government should liberalize fertilizer distribution to get to as many farmers as possible to boost agricultural activities in rural communities in the State.
He said it was the magnanimity of nature which he noted made it easy to divide a yam tuber into several divides only to harvest a big tuber and sometimes multiple tubers from each heap at the time of harvest. He, however, explained that low harvests could be experienced when the land was offended which he attributed to escalation of social vices.
In his contribution, one of the community leaders, Chief Nnamdi Ofiaeri described New Yam Festival as an event used to express love amongst the people.
He also added his voice in condemning social vices and moral decadence in society. He spoke against indecent dressing including the attitude of some male youths who plait their hair and added earrings which he described as foreign and abhorrence in Igbo society.
He advised the youths to find their roots by identifying with their customs and traditions and never be misdirected by Western culture.
One of the personalities in the community, Sir Osaeloka Offor said that Ezumeri has a rich cultural heritage that has always been showcased for the old and young ones to be proud of. He noted that ili ji (new yam festival) in the community has been a time to come together and share love among the people.
Sir Offor who is a media expert assured his people that he would continue to ensure that Ezumeri was found in the world map through adequate publicity mileage and good relationships with his media colleagues.
Highlights of the event were cutting and eating of the roasted yam by everyone at the arena which was washed down by palm wine, the appearance of masquerades of various types and sizes and a traditional dance display.
