From Ifeoma Ejiofor, Nnewi
The sleepy town of Obeledu in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State was thrown into excitement mode on Saturday as Mr Kenneth Ifeakandu from Okofia village won five hundred thousand Naira for harvesting 95kg yam in the community.
Yam competition was part of the new yam festival for the 2024 edition of Obeledu’s new yam festival.
Ifeakandu who defeated fifteen others said that the half a million Naira prize he won for producing the most heavy yam would be invested in his farm for greater yield next year.
“The prize money is a morale booster to invest more into agriculture, I will expand my scope and return here next year by the grace of God with super huge harvests to show my gratitude to God,” he said.
The President General(PG) of Obeledu Progress Union, Engr Ken Echendu said that agricultural show was deliberately built into the new yam festival to encourage people to go into farming.
“People have this impression that Anaocha has white land which is not fertile enough to support agriculture but we are changing that erroneous narrative.
Igwe Obeledu, His Royal Highness, Igwe AC Oragwam(Ezeoranyelu III) while performing the traditional yam cutting to flag off the occasion thanked God for granting his community a bountiful harvest.
HRH Igwe Oragwam urged Ndi-Obeledu and residents alike to continue to embrace peace which according to him is the bedrock for growth and development.
Ezeoranyelu III recalled with relish that yam competition which has gained international currency actually started in his community.
The Secretary of the Obeledu Media Department, Mr Ikechukwu Okafor who is the Media Aide to the former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka attributed the success of the occasion to the harmonious relationship existing between the Obeledu people.
“People are happy, farms and other endeavors of the people are doing well, an indication that God is with us, 2024 edition of Obeledu new yam festival is particularly unique because of the level of participation of the people,” he noted.
The Anambra State Commisioner for Local Government Affairs and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Collins Nwabuwanne who graced the occasion congratulated the entire people of the community for a successful outing.
He pointed out that he has continued to attend new yam festivals across the state to see how the communities are keying into the agricultural revolution of the administration of Gov Soludo.
