By Patrick Ochei
The 10th New Yam Festival of the Obi of Ugboba Kingdom in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, HRM Agbogidi Obi Ezedimbu Emmanuel Nkebakwu III, has attracted political leaders, traditional rulers and other prominent personalities to the monarch’s palace.
The annual Iwaji Obi Ugboba, held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, provided an opportunity for the monarch, his subjects and guests to celebrate the harvest season while reaffirming the values of peace, unity and community development.
Speaking during the ceremony, Obi Ezedimbu expressed gratitude to God for the abundance of new crops harvested by the predominantly agrarian community, praying for greater prosperity and improved fortunes for his people in the coming year.
The monarch also prayed for continued progress among his subjects, stressing that the sustainable development of any community depended largely on the quality, commitment and productivity of its human resources.
He attributed some of the progress recorded in Ugboba to the prevailing peace and unity among the people, urging residents to sustain the spirit of harmonious coexistence.
In his capacity as Chairman of the Aniocha North Traditional Rulers Committee, Obi Ezedimbu commended the Delta State Government and Aniocha North Local Government Council for maintaining a productive relationship with the traditional institution.
According to him, the synergy between government and traditional rulers has continued to contribute to development at the grassroots.
He pledged to further strengthen the relationship between the traditional institution and government, with a view to promoting peace, stability and development in the kingdom.
The festival also witnessed the presence of political leaders and representatives of prominent political figures from Delta State.
Former Delta State Governor and APC senatorial candidate, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, was represented at the occasion by a delegation led by Rt. Hon. Pascal Adigwe, who conveyed his goodwill and made a presentation to the monarch on his behalf.
Similarly, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and APC candidate for Aniocha-Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, sent representatives to the festival, while the Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Council, Hon. Bazim Emma Chinye, was also represented.
Both representatives made presentations to the monarch on behalf of their principals.
Adding colour to the celebration was the presence of the Obi of Umunede, HRM Agadagidi Collins Ezenwali, a fellow traditional ruler and friend of Obi Ezedimbu, who travelled to Ugboba to felicitate with the monarch on the milestone occasion.
Obi Ezedimbu, who was flanked by his cabinet chiefs and elders of the kingdom, also received other guests from different walks of life, reflecting the broad network of relationships enjoyed by the traditional ruler.
Speaking as President-General of the Ugboba Development Union (UDU), former Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Council, Hon. Chuks Oseme, thanked the dignitaries and residents who turned out to celebrate with the monarch.
Oseme described Ugboba as a community experiencing a new phase of growth and development, noting that Obi Ezedimbu Emmanuel Nkebakwu III ascended the throne with a strong commitment to improving the fortunes of his people.
He said the monarch had demonstrated a determination to transform the community from what was once regarded as a largely fallow hinterland into a more economically productive town.
The festival ended on a colourful note, with the monarch and his subjects joining guests in dancing to the traditional Ikpelime drumbeats, while participants enjoyed a variety of New Yam delicacies and traditional refreshments.
