Amidst fun and fanfare, Ndi Ibe Ohafia Development Union, Abuja Branch has celebrated this year’s New Yam Festival.
The celebration was characterised by massive display of rich Ohafia culture and tradition including the legendary iri agha dance and performance of Paulson Kalu’s ji ehele song.
The maiden edition of the festival was celebrated at the palatial residence of Chief Joe Kalu Ibe, the Vice President of the Union with prominent sons and daughters of Ndi Ibe Ohafia in attendance.
Elder (Mrs) Patience Okwara Eke, a ruling Elder of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria opened the festival celebration with prayers and blessings for the community, Ohafia, Abia State and Nigeria.
The President of Ndi Ibe Ohafia Development Union, Abuja branch, Prince Peter Kalu expressed gratitude for the innumerable blessings the community has recently enjoyed in his welcome address.
He also said that the New Yam Festival, an annual ritual in Igboland is dedicated to yam which is regarded as the king of crops.
He also advised members of the community to promote Ohafia culture and traditions which according to him, these sense of identity has been taken over and hindered by the advent of Christianity.
He further noted that the new yam festival was once characterized with fanfare, visitations and exchange of gifts among kinsmen in a community.
Other speakers at the event included Elder Bright Idika and Barr. Mrs Nwanneka Okoro
See pictures below:
. congratulations to Ndi ibe ohafia indigenes in Abuja