By Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
One of the biggest clans in Ebonyi State, popularly known as Ezza Ezekunna has celebrated their new yam Festival at their civic centre,near Okpoku– Ezekunna their ancestorial home at Ezza South LGA of Ebonyi State.
The new yam celebration came 5 days after the major new yam day,known as new year in their traditional calendar; where all the rituals are carried out in line with the customs and traditions of the Ezza clan.
The new yam celebration which took place at the civic centre, was attended by their illustrious sons and daughters, including their friends and well wishers.
In an interview with the senator representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial zone,Sen.Ken Eze explained that the “Okeaku new yam festival ” is an important occasion in Ezza culture because,it marks the end of last year and the beginning of new year in their traditional calendar.
He further stated that it is the culture that unit their sons and daughters both at home and abroad.Today is the celebration of our new year festival.It is an important occasion to us as Ezza people.This is the culture that truly unite the sons and daughters of Ezekunna.It is a culture that started with our ancestors.And this customs and traditions was transferred to us,his descendants.This started with Ezekunna who is our ancestor and first born of Ekumenyi.Ekumenyi comprises of Ezza,Izzi,and Ikwo Nnoyo. Once we do our new yam festival,others will do in order of seniority.This is our new year, it is our traditional means of counting our calendar.This Okeaku marks the end of last year and the beginning of new year in Ezza culture.
In his address during the event,the governor of Ebonyi State,Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru used the opportunity to appreciate Ezza people for their support and unwavering commitment to ensure that his administration succeed.
He urged them to continue to live in peace and unity in order to enjoy the dividends of democracy in their various communities.
There were goodwill messages from traditional rulers, clergymen, political office holders and critical stakeholders in the area.
The new yam celebration featured traditional dancing groups,sharing of yam, local cows,colanut, tobacco, coconut , among others in line with their customs and traditions.
