By Suzy Chukwuechedom l Anambra
The celebration of the 2026 New Yam Festival in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, took a different turn at the weekend as the traditional ruler of the community, HRH Igwe (Pharm.) Alexander Uzo Onyido, Ezechuamagha of Ogidi, used the cultural platform to lament the deplorable state of the Onitsha-Awka Old Road.
The festival, which attracted sons and daughters of Ogidi, cultural groups, masquerade displays and traditional title holders, took a different dimension beyond the fanfare as the monarch seized the opportunity to draw government attention to what he described as the “economic lifeline of Ogidi that has been abandoned.”
Speaking with newsmen shortly after performing the traditional new yam rites, Igwe Onyido said the New Yam festival remains a symbol of hard work and reward.
”It is good to eat the fruit of your labour. When you work, you eat, but if you don’t work, you go hungry. We have worked on our farms and today we are eating our fruit,” he said.
He thank the gods and ancestors for a bountiful harvest adding he grew up seeing his elders celebrates their ancestors.
He, however, expressed worry that the deplorable state of the major road leading into Ogidi is frustrating the labour of farmers and other road users.
The monarch recalled that Governor Chukwuma Soludo had last year promised to fix major sections of the Onitsha-Awka Old Road which passes through Ogidi, but lamented that the promise is yet to be fulfilled.
”I want to passionately appeal to Governor Soludo to remember his promise on this road. The Onitsha-Awka Old Road is the major road for Ogidi people. He promised last year that he would fix it. I know he has been committed to extensive work across the state, but this road should not be forgotten,” the Igwe said.
According to him, the road is not just important to Ogidi but to the entire state and beyond, as it connects Onitsha, Awka, Enugu, Benue and other major commercial routes.
”It will not be good if the road is not fixed. It is now creating more expenses for commuters and traders who have to go through longer alternative routes, especially with the high cost of fuel. Farmers also find it difficult to move their produce to the market,” he added.
Igwe Onyido also used the occasion to call on Ndigbo to return to agriculture and be serious with farm work, noting that food security remains key to community survival.
On the political climate in the state, the traditional ruler urged politicians across party lines to embrace peace and be mindful of their utterances.
”All political parties are running in one direction – one Nigeria. There is need for politicians to always embrace peace,” he advised.
The New Yam festival ended with colourful cultural dances, masquerade performances and homage to the throne by different village groups.
Gov Soludo: Ogidi Monarch Decries Bad Road at Yam Festival
Princely Onyenwe
A seasoned Investigative Journalist,
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