It was a joyous and absolute celebration of culture as the Executive Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Mayor Sunny Afurobi, joined the people of Eziama Nneato on the celebration of the 2026 New Yam Festival.
Mayor Afurobi, while congratulating the community for a successful celebration, described it as a thing of joy to identify with the people and witness their rich cultural heritage, stressing that his presence was a demonstration of his love and respect for the people and their traditions.
He expressed delight at the impressive harvest recorded by the community, as demonstrated by the quality and quantity of yams displayed during the celebration.
The Mayor also congratulated the winner of the 2026 Di Ji Award, (Best Yam Farmer) whose yam weighed an impressive 75kg for his hard work and commitment to agriculture and urged him to sustain the effort.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting agriculture, preserving the cultural heritage of the people, and promoting initiatives that will improve the wellbeing and prosperity of the people of Umunneochi.
The Mayor emphasized that fertilisers, improved cassava stems, and other improved crop varieties are being distributed today at the Local Government Headquarters by the Abia State Ministry of Agriculture, stressing that the initiative is aimed at enhancing agricultural production and guaranteeing food security in rural communities.
The Council Boss further expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, for creating a conducive environment for farmers to cultivate their crops and enjoy a fruitful planting and harvesting season and called the peoples’ unrelenting support
Mayor Afurobi also used the occasion to solicit continued support for the party’s candidate in the 2027 elections including: Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, Chief Bourdex, and Hon. Mathias Nwachi Ume, noting that their continued support would enable them to serve the people more effectively and creditably.
In his remarks, the Member Representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, represented by the Coordinator of the Ugo Abia Grassroots Movement, Ichie Eugine Ibe, (Ichie Gburuguru), said he had been a regular participant in the Iri Ji Eziama Nneato celebration and would continue to identify with the people, noting that their support had been a great source of strength to him.
Hon. Ogah, who stated that he has a strong passion for agricultural activities and would continue to encourage farmers, disclosed that he supported the 2025 Eziama Nneato Di Ji Award winner with a tricycle pickup van.
He further announced his 2026 awards, which include a brand-new tricycle pickup van for the overall Di Ji winner, a brand-new motorcycle for the second-place winner, and 10 bags of fertiliser for the third-place winner.
In his speech, the Member Representing Umunneochi State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly and Deputy Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Mathias Ume Nwachi, thanked the Mayor, Chief Sunny Afurobi, and his entourage; the Member Representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah; the Commissioner for Lands, Ogbuehi Chaka Chukwumerije; and other government officials who attended the Iri Ji Eziama Nneato celebration, pointing out that their presence added colour and glamour to the event.
Hon. Nwachi encouraged the people of Nneato to continue taking the lead in agricultural activities, stressing that there is dignity and abundant reward in farming. He also made a financial donation in support of the Iwa Ji celebration.
The Commissioner for Lands, Ogbuehi Chaka Chukwumerije, in his goodwill message, felicitated with the people of Eziama Nneato for showcasing their rich cultural heritage also made a donation in support of the celebration.
In his vote of thanks, the President-General of Eziama Nneato Town Development Union, Dr. Elija Akachukwu Otutu,expressed delight at the number of distinguished guests that honoured their invitation and thanked God for blessing the occasion with favourable weather.
Dr. Otutu specially appreciated the Mayor for purchasing heaps of yams for distribution to less-privileged members of the community and prayed to God to continue to bless and reward him abundantly.
Highlights of the occasion, which was attended by Ndi Ichie Nneato, the President-General of Nneato Town Development Union, Chief George Okafo, as well as other illustrious sons and daughters of Nneato, included the selection of the 2026 Di Ji Eziama Nneato, whose Yam weighed 75 Kg, runners-up, as well as cultural dances, Ima Mbem, acrobatic displays, and masquerade performances.
