By Patrick Ochei
The intellectually savvy traditional ruler of Ugboba Kingdom in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM Obi Agbogidi Ezedimbu Emmanuel Nkebakwu 111, has lauded the agrarian prowess of Ugboba people, commending them for a bountiful harvest season in 2023.
He made this statement while briefing newsmen during the celebration of his new yam festival (Iwaji Obi Ugboba), in his Palace on Wednesday 20th September, 2023.
The amiable king thanked his people for their support to him and loyalty to the throne of his forebears, describing his relationship with his people as symbiotic and mutually trustworthy.
According to him, “While I commend my people for their agrarian prowess, I want to encourage them to continue to do what they know best to do. It’s been a bountiful harvest season as noted by everyone around, I want to ask them to be steadfast and not relent in working hard. This is because, we need to feed our people and feed the nation. So we look forward to a bigger harvest next year.
“I am delighted, and I want to pay tribute to our forefathers for this awesome season of bountiful harvest, while at the same time continue to be grateful to my people. My key words in all of this show of loyalty is that I love my people. The love for my people is what drives me. I love them and they love me in return. It is my determination to keep them happy and do my best for them. That’s what drives me.
“Iwaji is a way to celebrate the harvest, and Iwaji is unique to us as a people. We thank God it’s been successful. We look forward to a new beginning. We are grateful to our God, as we continue to pray for more wisdom to sustain this grace of bountiful harvests and of a symbiotic relationship amongst our people”, Obi Nkebakwu posited.
The Monarch also used the medium to appreciate the Nigerian Silent Heroes Award Initiatives for singling him out for honour as the 2023 Silent Hero in Traditional Leadership.
He pledged to continue to dedicate his efforts in uplifting his community economically, with a view to seeing them lifted out of poverty.
The highpoint of the Iwaji Festival was the Ime Uje by the Obi who glowingly paid tributes to his forebears at three strategic sacred spots within the Palace vicinity. It was a sight to behold as the drummers did justice to the performance of the Obi.
It was indeed a harvest of bounties as the Ikpala and other prominent sons and daughters paid homage to the king with their substances, represented in yams and drinks. The Obi in turn, served them with enough food and drink, signifying the enormity of yam production for the year.
In a nutshell, sampled opinions from an illustrious royalty, Prince Kufordu, the President General of Ugboba Development Union, Mr. Iyke Nnabuife and former Ugboba Youth President, Mr. Ositadibanma Enunwa attested to the fact that it was a successful and eventful new yam celebration of the Ugboba King.
