HRM EZE SAMPSON JINANWA CELEBRATES NEW YAM FESTIVAL WITH POMP
The serene ambience of Amaise Ovungwu Autonomous Community in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State came alive with colour, cultural splendour and festivities as HRM Eze Sampson Jinanwa, celebrated the annual New Yam Festival in grand style.
The colourful celebration, held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the monarch’s famous Royal Palace of Destiny, attracted a galaxy of distinguished personalities from within and outside the state.
The event was chaired by Prof. A. C. B. Agbazuere. In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion described the New Yam Festival as an age-long tradition deeply rooted in Igbo culture and heritage.
He noted that the festival provides an opportunity for thanksgiving to God for a bountiful harvest while serving as a veritable platform for promoting peace, unity and communal harmony.
Prof. Agbazuere commended Eze Jinanwa for his commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of his people, stressing the importance of sustaining such traditions for future generations.
Speaking during the symbolic cutting of the roasted new yam, Eze Jinanwa emphasized that the annual festival transcends social gathering and cultural celebration, describing it as a significant milestone in the life of the community.
The traditional ruler expressed gratitude to God for granting his people the opportunity to cultivate and harvest yam and for preserving their lives to witness another celebration.
He declared that the New Yam Festival had come to stay, assuring that his community would continue to uphold the cherished tradition.
The monarch also called on Nigerians to embrace agriculture as a means of achieving food sufficiency, reducing dependence on food imports and strengthening the nation’s economic base.
Eze Jinanwa seized the occasion to extol the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for what he described as his quality leadership and remarkable achievements within a relatively short period in office.
The outspoken traditional ruler recalled that his unwavering support for Governor Otti had previously attracted sanctions against him and contributed to divisions within his community.
However, he expressed satisfaction with the governor’s performance, noting that the achievements recorded under his administration had strengthened his conviction that Abia State was moving in the right direction.
He consequently called on the people of the state to support Governor Otti’s bid for re-election in 2027 to enable him to consolidate the gains already recorded.
Representing the Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD, High Chief Eze Chimere Ihuoma, popularly known as Damirida, who is a member of the Abia State House of Assembly Service Commission, congratulated Eze Jinanwa on the successful celebration.
He praised the monarch for his dedicated leadership and commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people at large.
A major highlight of the celebration was a special lecture on the significance of the New Yam Festival delivered by HRM Eze Prof. Emeka Otagburuagu, Ezeudo II of Amaitolu Ovungwu Autonomous Community.
The event also featured the conferment of prestigious chieftaincy titles on deserving individuals, cultural displays and other activities that showcased the beauty and richness of Igbo tradition.
Among the distinguished recipients was Prince Iheagoziri Jinanwa, Chief Executive Officer of P. Jinas Renewal Energy Limited, who was honoured with the prestigious chieftaincy title of Oke Nze Nwa Nka Ibeya I of Amaise Ovungwu Autonomous Community in recognition of his philanthropy, selfless service, youth empowerment initiatives and contributions to community development and humanity.
Visibly elated by the honour, the renowned Abuja-based businessman expressed profound gratitude to Eze Sampson C. Jinanwa and the entire Amaise community for finding him worthy of the prestigious title.
Prince Jinanwa described the recognition as both an honour and a call to greater service, assuring the traditional ruler and the people that he would redouble his efforts towards community development and continue to justify the confidence reposed in him.
The celebration reached a crescendo with a spectacular display of hospitality and entertainment.
Guests were treated to an abundance of sumptuous traditional delicacies and assorted alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, while live bands supplied melodious music that kept the atmosphere lively and guests in high spirits.
The well-attended occasion brought together traditional rulers, politicians, government officials, captains of industry, business associates, friends, well-wishers and members of the Amaise Ovungwu community in a colourful celebration of culture, unity and communal solidarity.
Prominent personalities at the event included Chief Ginger Onwusibe, member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives; Hon. Rowland Ceaser, member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency; HRM Eze Nelson Nmerengwa, First Deputy Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers; HRM Eze O. J. Ananaba; HRM Eze Paul Okpanku, Hon. Chinagorom Nwankpa, Sir Uzoma Ihuka; Engr. Chibuzor Esile, among other distinguished guests.
