Monarch Calls For More Government Inclusion As Afaraukwu Celebrates New Yam Festival

 

Monarch Calls For More Government Inclusion As Afaruku Celebrates New Yam Festival

… Says iriji is Thanksgiving to God for his provisions

 

The Traditional Ruler of Afaraukwu Autonomous Community, Ibeku, Umuahia North, HRM Eze Amaechi Kelvin Ugwueje has described the Iriji Afaraukwu Festival as an act of thanksgiving to God for a bountiful harvest.

Speaking during the 2026 celebration on Saturday, the monarch said the festival symbolizes gratitude for God’s provision and a prayer for continued protection and abundance.

 

“The significance is knowing that there is God who provided for us. Whatever we planted, we were able to reap and feed from it. This yam is our first fruit, and we present it to God yearly to show we are grateful and submissive to Him,” he said.

 

On farming, Eze Ogwueje noted that while Afaraukwu is agrarian, large-scale farming is limited because most community land has been donated to the government over the years for institutions.

 

“We still farm to feed ourselves. Our location is now cosmopolitan, but we have not abandoned farming,” he stated.

 

He commended government for infrastructural development in the area including roads and early electricity supply, but appealed that qualified indigenes be given priority in employment whenever projects are sited in the community.

 

The monarch also disclosed that Iriji celebrations will continue across the 7 clans ( Egwu asaa) in Ibeku kingdom with Afaraukwu being the first to celebrate after the Iwa Iji Ibeku.

 

He praised his people for a peaceful and well-organized event.

 

The ceremony was attended by His Royal Kingship Eze (Amb) Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna,Oba The Great of Ekeoba Kingdom, Ohuhu, HRM Eze Iheanyichukwu Ezigbo,of Uhabiri -Umuchime na Amanso, Ossah -Ibeku and host of friends and well wishers of the community including members of the Ohuhu community Secondary School old boys association 1981 set.