By Lilian Nwonyeali
Rotary Club of Enugu Municipal, Rotary International District 9142, on Sunday, November 10, 2024, celebrated her 2024 Iri ji/Muni cultural festival amidst fanfare and pomp.
Speaking at the annual event held at Rotary citizens centre, Hillview Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, the Past Assistant Governor and President of Rotary club of Enugu municipal, Patrick Ubru (Onowu) highlighted the significance of the event, adding that it also provides them the opportunity of informing the public of other key activities undertaken by the club in service to humanity
“Today, we celebrate not only the bountiful harvest experienced by the farmers in Igbo land but also to honor our rich culture and traditions that bind us together as a race.
“We must reflect, on the significance of the yam in our culture. Yam is not just a crop; it is a symbol of Prosperity, Resilience, and Unity. It is often referred to as the king of crops, deserving of the reverence we bestow upon it. The Igbos through the celebration of the New Yam festival give thanks to God Almighty for His abundant blessings and celebrates the spirit of togetherness that defines Igbo race, Ubru said,”
Ubru who’s also the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro Industrialization in Enugu state, added that the service delivery principle of His Principal, Governor Peter Mbah align with the ideals of Rotary Club, adding that new members will
“Distinguished guest fellow Rotarians, I would like to take a moment to recognize and appreciate our esteemed Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah whose commitment to good governance and tireless efforts to uplift our state, resonates deeply with the ideals of Rotary and our core belief in service to humanity.
“Governor Mbah’s administration exhibits integrity, accountability, and transparency—values that are at the heart of effective governance. The Governor’s initiatives reflect honesty and fairness, fostering goodwill among the people and promoting unity within Enugu communities.”
He also noted that the District committed the sum of Five Million, Eight Hundred thousand naira ( #5, 800, 000) to projects such as peace building, Disease prevention and treatment, water sanitation and hygiene, maternal and child health, provision of education materials, among others.
Also speaking, District Governor Professor AU Nkemdilim Nnonyelu highlighted the New Yam Festival’s role in boosting economic growth and empowerment, while also addressing its significant impact on food security within the community.
“Is a celebration of Igbo culture, reminding us that what rotary is doing in perspective is also to harness our culture for the good of our people, to promote unity and brotherhood amongst all Rotarians worldwide,Nkemdilim said.
“This celebration is ceremonial if we don’t go back to the farm, it’s a stack reminder that in the midst of hardship and poverty we need to go back to the farm, Prof Nkemdilim.”
Furthermore, Former branch controller, central bank of Nigeria, Enugu branch, Chiedozie Okonjo, who attended the event, emphasised the festival’s role in promoting cultural heritage and unity, and encouraged attendees to join the Rotary Club in supporting charitable initiatives for vulnerable individuals.
“The yam is a crop that is above all crops, this period of the year is dedicated to celebrate yam festival, rotary is a charitable club born out of public spirited members, a lot of people have money but they don’t know how to assist or help, but if you belong to rotary that spirit will be rekindled and you will do more, and that is the reason am identifying with the club because I believe in charity, I advise everyone to join the Rotary Club, Chiedozie said.”
Highlights of the event included the Iwa ji ceremony, induction of new members, distribution of wheelchairs to physically challenged persons, Conferment of chieftaincy titles, masquerade and cultural displays.
The occasion was graced by Traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, Rotarians, Rotaractors such as Igwe Agujiegbe D9142; HRH Igwe Romanus Ofomata; Assistant Governor Chijioke Iloegbune; commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Ugochi Madueke; some members of the Enugu state House of Assembly, and former local government chairmen.