Soludo highlights significance of New Yam Festival

The Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, joined the people of Omor in Ayamelum local government area of the state for their traditional New Yam Festival, a celebration of culture and harvest, further highlighting the bond between the state government and the community.

The festival, held over the weekend at the Traditional Ruler, Igwe Chris Oranu’s palace, brought together the people of Omor, traditional rulers, and dignitaries, who warmly received the governor and his entourage in an atmosphere of pride and celebration.

During the event, the governor restated his unwavering pledge to inclusive governance and grassroots development across Anambra State through agricultural development.

Soludo assured the people that his administration’s massive development projects would be sustained to completion, for the people to fully enjoy the dividends of good governance.

He said, “I leave here today with the blessings of this great festival. Omor showed me extraordinary love before now, and I will continue to reciprocate. The ongoing construction of a 30-kilometre road stretch, though slowed by the rains, will be completed within the next dry season.

“We have established 11 primary health centres and one of the smart schools in Omor out of the 22. Meanwhile, many more projects are in the pipeline. A lot of great things are still to come.

“We are determined to fulfil promises made to the people, including addressing recruitment needs in vital sectors such as education and agriculture. New Yam festival is about agriculture; it is an enduring cultural emblem of unity, pride, and the cherished values of the people.”

He restated his resolve to connect Ayamelum directly to Awka, sparing the people the inconvenience of passing through Igbariam.

The Governor emphasised that collective cooperation remains crucial for the continued progress of the region, while urging the people to stand firmly with his administration and to come out en masse in support of APGA during the November 8 governorship election

Earlier, the traditional ruler of Omor, Igwe Chris Oranu, extolled the governor’s leadership, describing him as a true friend of the community and a visionary leader. He pledged the community’s unwavering support for the governor’s re-election bid.

IgweOranu further highlighted Omor’s historic contributions to governance at various levels and reaffirmed the community’s resolve to continue standing solidly behind Soludo.

He also distanced himself and the community from negative online sentiments against the government, stating, “We are not ready to fight the government,” highlighting the deep-rooted ties and contributions Omor community has had to various governmental roles in the past.

The major highlight of the festival was the symbolic cutting of the new yam—an enduring cultural emblem of unity, pride, and the cherished values of the Omor people.

In a resounding show of solidarity and cultural celebration, Soludo received royal endorsement at the event.

I leave here today with the blessings of this great festival. Omor showed me extraordinary love before now, and I will continue to reciprocate. The royal endorsement, not only strengthened the bond with the people of Omor, but also underscored the growing momentum of our vision for grassroots development,” Soludo stated.

The event which featured cutting of the new yam, not only celebrated the harvest but also served as a platform for renewed commitment to growth and development within the community, fostering a spirit of collaboration for a brighter future.

The major highlight of the festival was the symbolic cutting of the new yam—an enduring cultural emblem of unity, pride, and the cherished values of the Omor people.