Innocent Sike Celebrates New Yam Festival with Pomp
It was merriment galore as renowned trado-medical practitioner, Chief Dr. Innocent Sike, the ‘Dike Eji Aga Mba 1’ of Ikeala Mbutu in Isiala Ngwa South local government area of Abia State celebrated this year’s New Yam Festival with unprecedented pomp.
The colourful celebration, which took place at his Ikeala Mbutu country home commenced on Friday, October 20, 2023 and climaxed the following day, Saturday with unforgettable jollification.
A galaxy of distinguished personalities from far and near, family members, friends, in-laws, his fellow trado-medical practitioners, youths, women and others graced the occasion.
Chief Dr. Innocent Sike feted his mammoth guests to their satisfaction. There was more than enough to eat and drink. He even slaughtered many cows and shared to his colleagues.
Speaking on the New Yam Festival, Chief Dr. Innocent Sike described it as an annual celebration in the entire Igbo land and a period of Thanksgiving to God for sustaining their lives throughout the year as well as granting them bountiful harvest.
He expressed profound gratitude to God for granting him another spectacular New Yam celebration this year and assured that next year’s celebration would be more elaborate.
He appreciated his colleagues, family members, relatives, friends, well wishers and distinguished personalities who came to celebrate with him.
The occasion lived up to expectations. Various cultural troupes and musical bands present added glamour to the occasion.
At the end, Chief Dr. Innocent Sike wished his mammoth guests safe journey back to their various destinations.
He prayed God to keep them alive to celebrate another New Yam Festival next year.
In his remarks, Anayo Emmanuel, a popular businessman and former driver of Chief Dr. Innocent Sike thanked God for granting the celebrant another wonderful New Yam celebration this year.
He described Chief Dr. Innocent Sike as a great trado-medical practitioner who God has been using to save the lives of so many people in Abia State and beyond.
He prayed God to grant him long life and many more years of fruitful celebrations.
Speaking also, Henry Onyema Nwauzor from Agburuezeukwu Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North local government area expressed happiness to identify with Chief Dr. Innocent on the joyous occasion.
The renowned businessman who came with his son and daughter described Chief Dr. Innocent Sike as a very prominent and powerful trado-medical practitioner who has been helping so many people to overcome their health or spiritual challenges.
He prayed God to grant him long life, good health and more knowledge adding that they need a man like him in the society who can intercede between them and spirits.
He debunked the notion that the New Yam Festival is fetish and described it as an integral part of their culture.
