Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra has said that his administration would ensure the sustenance and promotion of Igbo culture, morals and values as a tool for unification.

Mr Soludo said this on Saturday at the Obosi New Yam Festival, also known as (Obiora Obosi), shortly after he was decorated with a chieftaincy title, “Oluatuegwu of Obosi”, meaning one who does not fear work.

The governor commended the sustenance of the Igbo tradition and culture in the ancient city of Obosi Kingdom and other parts of the Igbo land .

He said that the celebration was worth sustaining because the  festival had defined who the people were and had played a greater role in the promotion of their culture .

He urged the community to come out en masse on November 8 to cast their votes to support the ongoing development projects in the state.

Earlier, the traditional ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, who is also chairman of the state’s Traditional Rulers Council, said the Obiora Obosi/Iwaji festival was to mark the new yam harvest and to enthrone peace.

According to Mr Iweka, yam harvesting in Obosi brings a lot of excitement; hence, their ancestors imposed a heavy fine on anyone who fights during the Obiora week.

He urged the people to maintain peace from one Obiora to the next.

He said that the title bestowed on the governor was to enable him to lead and promote the rich traditional heritage and the prestigious kings of the state.

“It is a special day for me because it is my 14th Obiora/Iwaji Obosi and my first as chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council.

“The governor has performed immensely well in the development of the state, especially in security, manpower development with one-youth-two-skills initiative, free education and smart schools programme.

“He has built rural roads and encouraged agriculture with free distribution of improved seedlings and agro-allied farm additives to farmers.

“Our joy is not only in the bountiful harvest of yams but also in the peaceful atmosphere that enveloped the town,” Mr Iweka said.

Uju Ezeagbo, the community women leader, said that as women and mothers, it was right for them to support the king in home building and farming to sustain the lives of the people.

Ms Ezeagbo said that women should also take an active part in politics to ensure that the welfare of the family and the general community is secured.

One of the chiefs, Linus Mgbakogu, said that the ceremony was worth upholding so that the younger generations would understand the uniqueness of the tradition and not fall for the modern way of living

Ken Obi, chairman of the Obiora Obosi committee 2025, urged the people to see the celebration as a time to give freely for the development of the community and expressed gratitude to the god of the land for a bountiful harvest.

Mr Obi urged the people to reflect on the values of the community and the bonds that tie them together.

He said that yams were more than a staple food because they represented the fruits of the people’s labour, resilience and commitment to one another.

He commended the people for this year’s celebration and urged all to share the abundance of the harvest with their neighbours and extend hands in friendship and goodwill.

The ceremony was attended by many dignitaries across the country, including Peter Obi, the former governor of the state and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate.

(NAN)