As various communities across the South East geo-political zone began the celebration of their Yam festival, all is now set for such celebration by the people of Arochukwu Kingdom, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.
The event which is celebrated every September of each year is usually started with its preparation by the committees in charge of the planning and its implementation appointed by the Eze Aro’s Cabinet known as Okpankpo in liaison with the President General of the Community and his executives.
This year’s celebration promises to be interesting and captivating as the youths of the community are planning to roll out a cultural carnival during the occasion to spice up the all-important event.
Speaking with AFN reporter in Arochukwu recently, a member of the event’s raffle draws Planning Committee Mazi Ijoma Elekwa explained that this year’s Ikeji Festival will be interesting as activities are in top gear to make it a memorable.
Mazi Elekwa further hinted that during the two weeks event, visitors and invited guests will grab the opportunity to savor with fanfare the many cultural heritage of Arochukwu people such as Ekpo, Ekpe, Ojojo, Abaa, Atuejeogu and other numerous festival which the people are known for and call on all and sundry to grab the opportunity to visit the kingdom during the event in order to see things themselves.
Arochukwu new yam festival is a peculiar and special occasion unlike what is played out in some communities in Igbo land. That of the Kingdom is usually starts with a daily event which symbolizes its importance in the four market days in Igbo land.
Activities such as Afor Okpo naza Awada na Ndulata Nwaekpe, Nkwo nzukoro na Nkwo eresi, Eke Odu, Orie Egbugbu, Orie Ubi le avom, Afor Osu, and Nkwo Ekpe Ibom Isii when various people all over the place used to converge on Ibom Village for a wrestling competition, as well as the big one which Eke Ekpe Arochukwu being the grand finale of all the events.
Arochukwu new yam festivals over the years have continued to receive a boost and sponsorships by multinational companies and Telecommunication firs such as MTN, GLO, and ETISALAT etc.
This year’s event promises to be interesting as indigene of the Kingdom travels from far and near back home for it. In the words of a native of the community, ‘’the event is indeed something worth waiting for and worth experiencing’’.
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