DISPLAY OF POMP, PAGEANTRY TRADITION AS EZE OKPOKO 1 OF IJEGUN, CELEBRATES NEW YAM FESTIVAL. ….. Eze Ndigbo calls for unity amongst indigenes Indigenes banter, thank God for abundant harvest.
The Traditional King of Igboland in Lagos, HRH EZE (DR) C.C. NWOKEDI , EZE OKPOKO 1 , EZE NDI IGBO of Ijegun and Ijeododo in Lagos State have called for greater unity and love amongst his indigenes residing in the State, which he believes will foster peace, unity and further bring success to them in their human endeavors. Eze Igbo made the appeal during the celebration of New Yam festival on Sunday, 17th September, 2023.
The event, which took place at his Palace located in Ijegun area of Lagos had in attendance titled Ezes, men and women from Igbo extraction, invited guests and who were resplendent in their rich traditional attires, some with staff of Office as others adorned traditional insignia to depict their positions as Ezes. Speaking on behalf of her group during the event, a member of Igbo Speaking Community in Lagos and the State Women leader, Chief, (Mrs) Gloria Amanze said they came to felicitate their Eze OKPOKO 1 as he celebrates the New Yam festival as she prayed for long life for them so as to sustain the celebration in every passing year as she thanked God for the event.
The NWA ANYI NALURU OGU described her group as a socio-cultural Organization that has been in the business of empowering Widows and the less privilege in the society since four years now. Mrs Israel, NWANYI CHINYERE UGO equally supported the assertion of her Women leader as she assured that they will continue to support the Eze in an occasion like this. In his contribution, Mr Stephen Nwankwo, Chairman of Igbo Community in Ijegun/ Ijeododo described the ambience as very colorful and . thanked the EZE for initiating this festival since his ascension to the throne. Mrs Blessings Okoli, Mr Chucks Aroh and Eze (Dr) Reuben Ibeakana toed the same line of sentiment as they further stated that their participation in the celebration is borne out of the love , respect and honour they have for their Eze OKPOKO 1 and the significant of the festival.
So many of those that attended the event and who spoke to WINZTV, including High Chief Felix Uche Oguekemma, Chief Ugodiebube, Mr Emeka Onuwu 1, Eze Chukwu Adibia Ume and Mr Obi Tochukwu described the festival as very significant in their life as they used the occasion to honor and thank God for life abundant, good health and bumper harvest as they prayed for more celebrations in the coming years.
They described the festival as a legacy they will continue to treasure and sustain . ” After farming comes harvest time . Today we are enjoying what we planted which God Almighty have made it bumper for us for the harvest. It therefore calls for celebration and thanksgivings to God” Eze Emeka Onuwu 1 of Ijegun/ Ijeododo land declared.
As part of the celebration, HRH EZE (DR) NWOKEDI conferred awards to some deserving individuals who are found to have added values and give supports to humanity. There were display of Igbo culture, traditional music/ cuisines and attires that speak volume of a people that add value to their Tradition, culture and are always ready to project and sustain them.
There werr also fascinating dancing steps by the maidens who entertained guests during the cultural dance. The high point of the event was the eating of the new yam by Eze OKPOKO 1 and his Cabinet members as well as other traditional rulers present at the event. HRH, EZE (DR) C.C. NWOKEDI, the EZE OKPOKO 1 EZE NDIGBO of IJEGUN and IJEODODO Land of Lagos is variously described as a philanthropist and a good traditional king who has galvanized his people together and he is seen as a rallying point for their continued unity and show casing their Tradition and culture. He is reported to have empowered seventy (70) women to be economically buoyant, aside other life touching projects he has embarked upon for his people and Community in Lagos.
