HRH Igwe Samuel Asadu, the Traditional Ruler of Edem-Ani Ogwugwu Community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State has urged Nigerians to invest more in agriculture to enable the country to achieve food security.
Asadu who is the Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, gave the advice on Saturday during the Edem-Ani Ancient Kindom 2024 New Yam Festival Celebration.
He said for the country to achieve food security that would reduce prices of food items and make food available and affordable to everybody, both government and citizens should invest and devout more time to agriculture.
“The economic hardship and high cost of food items in the market should be a wake-up call for government and citizens to invest more money and time in agriculture especially farming.
“Iwa ji (new yam celebration) is one of the key traditional practices in Igboland that should be promoted by everybody, it doesn’t only sustain the age-long culture of our forefathers but help in promoting yam farming.
“There is urgent for everybody in the country to devout more time in farming, especially in yam, which is one of the staple foods in the country,”he said
Asadu explained that it’s Edem -Ani community commitment in upholding the high value placed on agriculture, that 2024 iwa ji was made possible despite the severe economic hardship being experienced across the country.
” We cannot in the face of economic hardship and challenges fail to celebrate our yam festival that is rooted in promoting our culture as well as active participation in farming” he said.
The Traditional Ruler commanded Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his developmental strides in the States as well as his huge investment in agriculture and urged residents to continue give Mbah’s administration their maximum support in its determination to make the state the best economy in the country.
“Edem-Ani Ogwugwu is grateful to the governor for the adminstration’s developmental presence in the community.
“I want to commend the governor in a special way for his massive developmental strides in the state that has tremendously scaled-up agricultural productivity in Enugu State
“I urge the good people of Enugu state to continue to give Mbah’s administration maximum support in his effort to transform the state economy to the next level,” he said.
Asadu who is the immediate past Chairman of the South East Traditional Rulers Council, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to consider the release of Mr Nnamdi Kalu, the Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) from detention, explaining that his release would go a long way in reducing tension and insecurity in the South East region.
In a remark, Chief Ozo Chidi Ezema, the Chairman of the occasion said that the new yam festival celebration holds a special place in Igboland.
“New yam festival is deeply rooted in Edem-Ani history and agricultural practice as well as serves as a key cultural event that symbolises and promotes prosperity, unity, farming and gratitude to God
Her Royal Majesty, Happiness Eberechukwu Asadu (the wife of Igwe. Samuel Asadu)
Mr. Patrick Ubru, the Enugu State Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro Industrialisation, Chief Jude Asogwa, the Executive Chairman of Nsukka LGa, Chief Vita Abba, former Chairman of People Democratic Party in Enugu State, many traditional rulers, were among dignitaries present during the occasion.
Our correspondent reports that highlights of the event were: eating of roasted new yam by Igwe Asadu, Asadu conducting his guests round his yam barns as well as cultural dance and masquerades displays
