By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
It was a memorable day on Sunday, September 13, 2026, as Rotarians comprising Men in Rotary and Women in Rotary, Imo Zone, under Rotary District 9142, celebrated their maiden New Yam Festival in Owerri, Imo State, with a colourful display of culture, tradition, service and philanthropy in support of humanitarian interventions.
The event, organised by the two subgroups of Rotary International in Imo Zone, was held as part of their cultural activities and attracted Rotarians, Rotractors, friends, colleagues and other dignitaries from different parts of the state.
The festival also featured the conferment of awards and traditional titles on individuals recognised for their contributions to humanity, the Rotary movement and the growth of the organisation.
It was gathered that the event was principally organised to raise funds for the 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐨 Foundation, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 to 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐛’𝐬 humanitarian interventions in critical areas, including healthcare, literacy, environmental protection, peace-building and economic development.
Among those honoured were Okenze Emmanuel Nwahiri, who received the Award of Humanitarian; Princess Ada Anyanwu, who was presented with an Award of Excellence; and the Imo Representative, Women in Rotary, District 9142, Rtn. Jane Ejinkeonye, who also received an Award of Excellence.
Rtn. Martins Chiedozie Ngumah was conferred with the traditional chieftaincy title of Igwe Ugo Di Iche I.
Other recipients of traditional titles included Rtn. Chinonye Nnawuihe, Ada Nga Nga I of Imo Zone; Rtn. Winifred Osigwe, Okwulu Okalisia I of Imo Zone; Rtn. Pet Anoruo, Odiuko Na Mba I of Imo Zone; Rtn. Eunice Linus-Okere, UU Nwere Address I of Imo Zone; Rtn. Amaka Ogudo, Ada Dimagu; Rtn. Princess Ada Anyanwu, Achalugo; and PAG Chioma Ngonadi, Akwa Ugo I of Imo Zone.
Performing the traditional rites for the New Yam Festival, His Royal Highness, Eze Reginald Amadi (PHF) of Obetiti Nguru Community, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, thanked God for a bountiful harvest following the planting season.
Eze Amadi emphasised the importance of preserving Igbo cultural heritage and commended the Rotarians for choosing to mark their cultural week with a New Yam celebration, describing the initiative as an important platform for promoting and sustaining cultural values.
In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Ochieze Rtn. Okey Emenyonu (JP), highlighted the significance of the New Yam Festival as a celebration of life, hard work, fertility and community resilience, describing yam as the “king of crops.”
According to him, the festival goes beyond the consumption of a ceremonial meal, stressing that it represents the reward for hard work, fertility, community resilience and the continuity of cultural values.
“The New Yam Festival is far more than a ceremonial meal; it is a sacred symbol of life, hard work, fertility and community endurance. Today, Imo Rotarians celebrate as we break and eat the new yam, we honour the labour of our hands, pay respect to the traditions of our ancestors, and celebrate the continuity of our culture across generations,” Emenyonu said.
In her remarks, the Imo Representative, Women in Rotary, Imo Zone, District 9142, Rtn. Jane Ejinkeonye, thanked members for their contributions towards advancing the objectives of Rotary, urging them to sustain their collective efforts towards taking the organisation to greater heights.
Ejinkeonye, who announced a major activity of the organisation scheduled for November, also commended the awardees and title holders for their remarkable contributions to humanity.
She explained that the honours were the organisation’s way of expressing gratitude for their service and impact, adding that the recognition was also intended to inspire them to do more.
Speaking during interviews with our reporter, the awardees and title holders expressed delight at being recognised by the organisation. They acknowledged that “the reward for hard work is more work” and pledged to redouble their efforts towards the growth of Rotary and the advancement of humanity.
The colourful celebration featured cultural displays, traditional dances, Rotary songs and networking among participants, alongside other activities that added glamour and excitement to the maiden edition of the festival.
The event ended on a celebratory note, with participants commending Men in Rotary and Women in Rotary, Imo Zone, for successfully combining the promotion of Igbo cultural heritage with Rotary’s ideals of service, humanitarianism and community development.
