By Dr Innocent Chidumebi Okonkwo.
The people of Eziagulu -Otu Aguleri Anambra East Local Government of Anambra State, led by His Royal Highness, Igwe Lawrence Nwofia, the Igwe Ochiagha of Eziagulu -Otu Aguleri celebrated the traditional New Yam Festival known as "Alo mmuo" yesterday August 17, 2024, with pomp.
The once-a-year New Yam Festival, a significant cultural and spiritual event among the Igbo-speaking people of Nigeria, allows people and the entire community to offer thanks to God for bountiful harvests while praying for better yield in the subsequent planting season.
The good people of Eziagulu -Otu were not left out of this age-long Aguleri tradition as the sons and daughters of the community returned home from near and far to observe the 2024 Alo mmuo festival which was conducted according to the tradition by his HRH. Igwe Lawrence Nwofia, the traditional ruler of the Eziagulu Otu Aguleri Community.
The festival commenced with prayers of thanksgiving at the community Catholic Church with the Parish priest leading the people in the prayer of thanksgiving to God.
This was followed by the Traditional Ruler's prayers of abundance and fruitfulness in Eziagulu Otu Aguleri land.
Igwe Ochiagha went ahead to speak on the importance of the celebration, noting that the New Yam Festival is a unifying cultural practice among the Igbo and one of the heritage that distinguishes them from other nations.
“Therefore, with this importance, the New Yam festival must be celebrated to preserve our rich cultural heritage and identity,” he said.
The festival featured performances of traditional music and dances that are reserved for iconic events.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion include the Igwe’s wives, the Onowu of Eziagulu Otu, Chief IKC Chukwuma. Other dignitaries were: HRM Igwe Dr Mike Idigo (Ezeudo Aguleri), HRH Igwe Johnson Onyeaka Mbanefo (Ezedioranma Mkpunando Aguleri), HRH Igwe Emmanuel Igbanugo Ejor ( Igwe Omeluora) Enugwu Otu Aguleri and other traditional rulers who attended from all parts of the state. Others were, Elders in-Council of Eziagulu -Otu Community, high chiefs, Lolos and village heads who all danced according to tradition.
After the official presentation of the yams to the Igwe, the rite of Alo mmuo was performed and all members of the kingdom were officially invited to eat the newly-harvested yams, signalling the official commencement of the eating of new yams in their various homesteads as demanded by Aguleri culture.
The highlight of the festival was the performances of traditional music and dances of various groups and masquerades.