By kingsley amaechi
It was an atmosphere of festivity and celebration of culture and tradition as the people of Umudim Autonomous Community in Ikeduru Local Government LGA of Imo State turned-out enmasse for the 2013 New yam festival (Iriji) last weekend at the Eze’s palace in Umudim Ikeduru.
The event which kicked with a Mass celebrated by Rev Father Kizito Onyeka of St Paul’s Parish Umudim preached on love, peace and unity. He added that the new yam festival is one cultural/traditional event which symbolizes brotherliness, adding that the people should endeavour to accommodate one another.
Speaking, the Traditional Ruler of Umudim Autonomous Community in Ikeduru HRH, Eze Hyginus Wisdom Ebirim thanked all invited guests and the people of Umudim for coming together to celebrate the 2013 new yam festival.
Eze Hyginus Wisdom Ebirim insisted on the perceived love, peace and unity existing in Umudim Autonomous community, stressing that he would take steps to sustain it. He also thanked the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha for his good leadership qualities having delivered the counter-part fund of N1, 000,000. He noted that the money had gone a long way to remedy lingering problems bedevilling the community.
Declaring the New yam festival open, the Anglican Bishop of Ikeduru, His Lordship Emmanuel Maduwuike stated that the new yam harvest is a gift from God as he encouraged the people of Umudim Community to preserve their cultural/traditional heritage and prayed for more fertile harvest in subsequent seasons.
The Chairman of the event, Dr. Barr H.C Amadi recalled in summary a brief history of Iriji festival in Ikeduru, stating that this is the first of its kind during the reign of HRH Hyginus Wisdom Ebirim as the Eze of Umudim Autonomous community, stressing that he and the people of Umudim Community are committed to support his throne. He further advised Igbo people not to allow foreign culture eclipse the Igbo cultural heritage.
Speaking to newsmen, High Chief Samson Emele and High Chief Innocent Emenike expressed delight for a successful 2013 new yam festival and thanksgiving and prayed for better years ahead.
Earlier, the Chief Guest Speaker and former Chairman of MDG’s in Imo State, Mr Anselem Mbadiwe Okorie recalled the long standing relationship between MDG’s and the Community during the era of the ex-governor Sir, Ikedi Ohakim. He enjoined them to maintain unifying existence. Another invitee, Dr Gabriel Onyekwuru opposed those who said Iriji festival is fetish. He described Iriji festival as an Igbo cultural event which is now celebrated as thanksgiving to God.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the Eze’s Cabinet and Organizing committee of Umudim Iriji 2013, High Chief Vitalis Ogueri thanked the Eze of Umudim Autonomous Community HRH Eze Hyginus Wisdom Ebirm, invited guests, the people of Umudim Autonomous community and the organizing committee members for their concerted effort towards making the event a success.
