It was a moment of rich cultural display and celebration in various autonomous communities in Amuda, Umunneochi Local Government Area, on saturday August 29, 2026, as the Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Mazi Sunny Afurobi, joined the people to celebrate the 2026 New Yam Festival amidst pomp and pageantry.
Addressing the people of Umucha Autonomous Community at the palace of His Royal Highness, Eze Elder Wilson Egbo, the Chatu I of Umucha, Mazi Afurobi congratulated the traditional ruler and the entire people of Umucha for organising a befitting New Yam Festival.
He commended the community for upholding the cultural heritage and homogeneity of the Isuochi people through the celebration of the Iri Ji festival, stressing that the preservation of the culture and traditions of the people is symbolic and a collective responsibility.
The Mayor therefore urged the people to continue to sustain and promote their cultural practices for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Council Boss expressed delight at the display of local delicacies, including local bean cake (Osu Akidi), African salad (Iwu Ncha), new yam and other varieties of traditional foods.
He noted that the abundance of locally produced food items and farm harvests displayed during the festival was an indication of the importance of agriculture, stressing that increased participation in farming would contribute significantly to food security in the area in the coming farming and harvesting seasons.
Speaking on development projects in Amuda, Mayor Afurobi disclosed that his administration had made significant investments in the town.
He specifically highlighted the Umunneochi Piggery Farm Project, valued at over ₦300 million, which is nearing completion and is located at Umuehihie, Amuda.
According to him, when completed, the project will be one of the largest of its kind in the area, create employment opportunities for the people and reduce overdependence on cow meat.
The Mayor also announced that Umucha Community would soon benefit from his administration’s “Water Must Flow” initiative, disclosing that the community would receive a borehole project, as necessary arrangements had been concluded and were awaiting the release of funds.
Mazi Afurobi further extolled Eze Wilson Egbo for his unwavering support and royal prayers for his administration. He also commended the Amuda Ward Councillor, Hon. David Mba, describing him as a willing and committed partner in his administration’s drive to move Umunneochi forward.
He praised the councillor’s humility, dedication and availability, noting that his contributions had yielded positive results that would continue to be appreciated.
The Mayor also appreciated the Member Representing Umunneochi in the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mathias Ume Nwachi, for joining him to felicitate with the people of Isuochi on the occasion of their New Yam Festival.
He described the lawmaker as a versatile legislator who has the interest and development of his people at heart.
Speaking during the occasion, Rt. Hon. Mathias Ume Nwachi said he was part and parcel of the Amuda people, having lived and spent a significant part of his life in the area.
He wished Eze Elder Wilson Egbo and the entire people of Amuda Town a peaceful and successful celebration.
The lawmaker disclosed that, as a legislator, he had continued to contribute his voice to the development processes and projects in Umunneochi, assuring the people that he would do more by the grace of God.
He also solicited the continued support and cooperation of the people of Umunneochi Local Government Area.
Earlier, the Traditional Ruler of Umucha Autonomous Community, Eze Elder Wilson Egbo, welcomed the Mayor and his entourage and thanked God for preserving his people to witness the 2026 New Yam Festival.
The monarch prayed God to continue to preserve the lives of his people in good health and grant them the opportunity to witness and perform the Iwa Ji Festival in the following year.
In his vote of thanks, the Councillor Representing Amuda Ward, Hon. Ezinwa David Mba, thanked Mayor Sunny Afurobi, whom he described as a supportive and courageous father who takes delight in putting smiles on the faces of the people of Umunneochi.
He said the Mayor had proven beyond every reasonable doubt that he was committed to moving Umunneochi forward, and prayed God to continue to grant him divine wisdom, strength and grace to lead the people.
The Onowu of Umucha Autonomous Community, High Chief Emeka Mba; the Ichies of the community; the President-General of Umucha Town Development Union; and other titled members were present at the New Yam Festival.
Earlier, Mayor Mazi Sunny Afurobi had also visited and congratulated the Umuogele Autonomous Community on the successful celebration of its Iwa Ji ceremony.
Speaking at the palace of Eze Edwin Madu, the Mayor commended the community for the unity and oneness being experienced among its people. He also appreciated the palace cabinet members for working together with a common purpose, which, he said, contributed to the success of the ceremony.
Receiving the Mayor and his entourage at Umuogele, the Palace Secretary, Elder Añusiobi Okereke, who represented the Ogelle 2, Eze Edwin Madu during Umu Ogelle new yam festival, thanked the Mayor for celebrating with the community and for his continued support and assistance to them.
He prayed God to continue to bless and strengthen the Mayor in his service to the people.
The Mayor was accompanied by the Member Representing Umunneochi Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mathias Ume Nwachi; the Councillor Representing Amuda Ward, Hon. Ezinwa David Mba; and other dignitaries.
