Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The 2023 deputy governorship candidate of the Young People’s Party (YPP) in Abia State, Chief Chima Anyaso, has said the new yam festival should not be seen as fetish but as a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people.
Anyaso, a business mogul and politician, made the clarification while speaking with journalists during his annual Iriji Ofuji new yam celebration at his country home in Igbere.
He explained that the festival “provides an opportunity to show gratitude to God for a bountiful harvest and for life,” stressing that it has nothing to do with idol worship, as often misconstrued.
Flanked by traditional rulers from Igbere clan as he performed the symbolic yam slicing, the industrialist vowed to sustain the tradition as part of efforts to preserve Igbo culture.
“This celebration has grown into more than a festival. It is thanksgiving, a unifying call to our roots, and a proud display of the rich traditions that make us who we are,” he said.
This year’s celebration, themed “The Role of Education and Training in Cultivating the Next Generation of Wealth Creators,” also highlighted the symbolic essence of yam. According to Anyaso, yam represents not just food and harvest but also knowledge, hard work, and the future being built for the younger generation.
He promised to extend the celebration across Abia State, describing it as a symbol of unity and brotherhood among Ndigbo.
“Together, we are stronger. Together, we will nurture compassion, celebrate our wealth of culture, and plant seeds of greatness for the generations to come,” he declared.
Anyaso also used the occasion to urge Ndigbo aged 18 years and above to take part in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. He expressed concern over the low turnout of registrants in the South East and appealed to governors and political leaders in the region to provide transport support for constituents to enable them to register with ease.
Commending Governor Alex Otti’s developmental strides, Anyaso pledged his full support for the Abia governor.
Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council in Bende LGA, HRM Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu, also commended Anyaso for his commitment to cultural renaissance, noting that the new yam festival is increasingly gaining global recognition.
Reiterating his support for Governor Otti, Anyaso said: “If he declares interest for re-election in 2027, we are going to make sure that he is re-elected.”
