By Magnus Emuji/Chukwudi Asoya
The need for every individual in any society to always embrace their cultural heritage and see such initiative as a unifying instrument among them has been stressed.
A renowned chief in Okpanam, Ogbueshi Patrick Okonkwo and the Chairman of Obodogwugwu Land Committee, Ogbueshi Fred Aniagwu Okolie, stated this in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State during their new yam festival, otherwise known as the roasting of yam by the ‘Nkpalus’.
Ogbueshi Okonkwo, popularly known as PATO and Ogbueshi Fred Aniagwu Okolie, stated that it was the turn of the chiefs to celebrate the new yam festival after the Diokpa-Isi, traditional ruler and the Obis had celebrated theirs.
Ogbueshi Okonkwo, who particularly described the festival as peaceful, urged indigenes and residents in the community to sustain the existing peace being witnessed during the festival even as he affirmed that without peace there would be no meaningful development in any society.
Speaking further, Ogbueshi Fred Aniagwu Okolie, said that the festival originated from their forefathers to appreciate God for a bountiful harvest.
In an interview with newsmen, the Leader and Chairman of Obodogwugwu Quarters, Comrade Ashimedua Okonkwo and the vice-chairman, Comrade Nwanze Mordi, described Ogbueshi Patrick Okonkwo as a very accommodating and truthful person.
Comrade Okonkwo, urged youths in the community to imbibe the culture of respect to the elders at all times so as to tap from their blessings, adding that he was satisfied with the conduct of the youths during the festival celebration.
For his part, Ogbueshi Adimabua Chibuotutu, who described the new yam festival as a period to identify with one another and to show love to each other, prayed for more growth and development in the community.
