In Obeledu community, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, Kenneth Ifeakandu, a farmer from Okofia village claimed a grand prize of N500,000 after harvesting the heaviest yam during the community’s New Yam Festival. The winning yam weighed an impressive 95 kilograms.
The yam harvesting competition was a highlight of the 2024 edition of Obeledu’s New Yam Festival, which concluded over the weekend. The initiative aims to promote agriculture, especially among the youth, as part of efforts to boost food security in the region.
An elated Ifeakandu shared his plans to reinvest the prize money into his farming operations, aiming for an even greater yield next year. “This prize money is a morale booster for me. I will use it to expand my farm, and with God’s grace, I will return next year with even bigger harvests,” Ifeakandu told journalists on Tuesday.
Ken Echendu, President General of the Obeledu Progress Union, emphasized that the “agricultural show” component of the festival was designed to inspire the community, particularly the youth, to engage in farming.
“We want to dispel the myth that Anaocha’s land isn’t fertile. This initiative aligns with the agricultural revolution championed by our state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who encourages farming as a means to achieve self-sufficiency,” Echendu explained. He also expressed gratitude to the executive council members for their dedication to making the festival a success.
His Royal Highness, Igwe AC Oragwam (Ezeoranyelu III), the traditional ruler of Obeledu, ceremoniously cut the first yam, marking the official start of the festivities. In his speech, the monarch thanked God for the community’s bountiful harvest and urged residents to maintain peace, calling it the foundation for continued growth and development.
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Igwe Oragwam also proudly noted that the yam competition, which has gained international recognition, began in Obeledu. This year’s festival was notable for its high level of participation, indicating a strong bond within the community.
Ikechukwu Okafor, Secretary of the Obeledu Media Department and Media Aide to former Aviation Minister Chief Osita Chidoka, praised the harmonious relationship among the Obeledu people, which contributed to the festival’s success. Fertilizers were distributed to farmers during the event to ensure bumper harvests in the coming years.
Okafor also lauded the Obeledu monarch for extending goodwill to the less privileged in the eight villages that make up the town, giving them yams and cash in celebration of the festival. He expressed confidence that the current leadership of Obeledu will continue to lead the community toward greater achievements.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Collins Nwabuwanne, attended the event, congratulating the Obeledu community for a successful festival. Nwabuwanne, who has been touring various new yam festivals in the state, highlighted the importance of agricultural initiatives in line with Governor Soludo’s vision for an agricultural revolution.
“The Obeledu community has done exceptionally well, and the government will continue to support their efforts in agriculture,” Nwabuwanne affirmed, pledging further assistance to boost farming in the region.
