EKWUOMA (Ika Weekly) – The annual festival of “Iwaji and Ogbanigbe” has come and gone in Ekwuoma, Ika North East Local Government. During the flag-off of the celebration, the traditional ruler of the community, Ajeh Kenneth Chukwugoziem Offor in his palace advised his people not to neglect the tradition of their ancestors as laid down for the present and future generations.
In a press briefing, the Ajeh said that New Yam/Ogbanigbe festival is a time to thank God Almighty and appreciate the gods of the land for keeping them alive and for the bumper harvest in their farm work.
He pointed out that after the communal Ogbanigbe, the following day, he would celebrate his new yam festival, during which the traditional wrestling would take place.
According to him, this year’s celebration was peaceful as he advised the people to keep it up. He thanked the Delta State Police Command, for granting his request by sending him police men that beefed up security throughout the celebration.
In a related development, J.O. Okuoma, one of the Ochibanis of the community in Ajeh ruling house of Ekwuoma, expressed pleasure over this year’s celebration and advised all to keep the peace and at the same time expect more response next year.
He prayed to God to protect the Ajeh and his entire family.
The eldest man in Ajeh family, Diokpa Oguidiefe Offor who spoke briefly on the celebration, prayed for the entire community and the Ajah in particular for God’s guidance, peace, progress and long life.
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