By Suzy Chukwuechedom | Anambra
ANAMBRA – Traditional and community leaders in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, have urged youths to embrace agriculture as a pathway to economic self-reliance, food security and sustainable community development.
The appeal was made during the community’s annual New Yam Festival, popularly known as Obiora/Iwa Ji Celebration, held in Mmakwu Village, Obosi, to mark the end of the 2026 farming season.
Speaking at the event, Chief Ndubuisi Christian Odirinye, popularly known as Ajaka Obi Obosi, a cabinet chief representing Mmakwu Village, said the future of food production in Obosi depended largely on the willingness of younger generations to take up farming.
He noted that although older generations were currently sustaining agricultural activities, deliberate efforts were needed to transfer farming knowledge and encourage young people to cultivate the community’s fertile lands.
“We are using this harvest festival to send a clear message to our young men and women: celebration must go hand-in-hand with hard work,” he said.
“Our generation is farming today, but tomorrow belongs to the youth. If they do not take up the hoe and cutlass to cultivate our fertile lands, our cultural heritage and food supply will suffer.”
Chief Odirinye described agriculture as an important foundation for peace and stability, arguing that communities capable of producing sufficient food are better positioned to reduce hunger, economic hardship and social unrest.
He maintained that the prevailing peace in Mmakwu Village and the wider Obosi Kingdom had created an enabling environment for farming and other productive activities.
“There is total peace in Mmakwu Village and across the wider Obosi Kingdom. When there is peace, people can go to their farms without fear. Agriculture and peace go hand-in-hand — without peace, you cannot farm, and without farming, hunger will destroy the peace,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about soil erosion in parts of Idemili North, the traditional leader maintained that significant portions of Obosi remained suitable for agricultural production, particularly yam cultivation.
“Obosi is a large town. Erosion affects specific areas, but in general, our land is fertile. Yam farming thrives here. Between January and March we plant, and by October we harvest and celebrate Iwa Ji,” he explained.
He also highlighted the traditional governance structure of Obosi, anchored by the Igwe and supported by the Council of Chiefs, known as Ndi Ichie, who represent different villages in the kingdom.
According to him, the traditional institution has continued to promote peace, order and cultural preservation, creating conditions that support farming and community development.
Explaining the traditional sequence of the Iwa Ji celebration, Chief Odirinye said the festival begins with the royal rite known as Obalani, performed by the Igwe to officially open the harvest season, before village-level celebrations are conducted by cabinet chiefs alongside community youths.
Also speaking, Mr Felix Nwaofia, a former youth leader in Obosi, expressed optimism that sustained peace and increased youth participation in agriculture would strengthen the community’s position as an important food-producing centre in Anambra State.
He called on government authorities and private-sector stakeholders to support young farmers through access to agricultural inputs, extension services and modern farming techniques.
Nwaofia said such interventions would make agriculture more attractive, productive and financially rewarding for young people, while encouraging greater participation in food production.
The leaders maintained that preserving Obosi’s agricultural heritage requires a deliberate partnership between traditional institutions, government, private stakeholders and the younger generation.
