On Saturday 31st august 2024 the people of nekede ancient kingdom in owerri west local government area trooped out in their numbers to celebrate their new yam cultural festival known as “ODU Nekede “.
Prominent sons and daughters of nekede ancient kingdom both far and near were present to witness the epoch making event.
While speaking to journalist, Hon. Chidi Anthony Ordu (Madoka) an APC aspirant for owerri west local government council chairman said the ceremony is anchored on promoting their culture and tradition adding that it also united the entire people of their community including those in diaspora.
Hon. Victor Olekaibe aka (let there be light) who is aspiring for Nekede ward 7 councilorship under APC described the event as cultural heritage which is been celebrated yearly to usher in the harvest of new yam.
He also highlighted that his aspiration as councilor nekede ward 7 will bring development to the door step of his people having served as community chairman in the past.
Similarly, another prominent son of Nekede ancient kingdom Hon. Amadi Ujunwa member of ugwumba age grade and APC aspirant for owerri west local government chairman seat , noted that their 2024 new yam festival was well attended by all the age grades stressing the weather has been very much conducive which indicate that their ancestors and the people are happy.
However, he revealed that his five agenda project as local government chairman will benefit every community in owerri west adding he remain the most capable person for the position.
Earlier in his speech, the traditional ruler of Nekede ancient kingdom His royal highness Eze Stephen Agumanu encouraged their people to go back into yam cultivation adding that their forefathers were known for cultivating different species of yam which prompted their celebration of yam festival as their most popular tradition.
He further advised parents to always inculcate Igbo customs and traditions to their children despite their location as it will defines their true identity in the future.
