The palace of the traditional ruler of Ubomiri autonomous community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, His Royal Highness, Eze Emma Saint George Ekeh, was a beehive of activities on Saturday, August, 31, as the Monarch and his subjects celebrated the 2024 New Yam Festival in grand style.
The first phase of the elaborate ceremony which was beamed lives CONAC Television for sons and daughters of the community, their families and friends to see and partake in started at about 6.30am, when the traditional ruler fondly referred to as a digital Monarch, assisted by members of his cabinet offered prayers, harvested the symbolic new yam from the Eze’s farm, brought out fishes, fowls. Goat, etc from the large, well stocked and equipped farm that is located in his expansive palace.
The second phase of the ceremony that was more like a carnival started at about 1 pm, when relatives in-laws, friends, associates, top government officials who came to felicitate with the Monarch and his highly elated subjects started arriving.
Speaking at the occasion, Eze Emma Saint George Ekeh, said the occasion offers them a unique opportunity to thank and appreciate the Almighty God for his divine mercy, abundant blessings and divine protection that kept him, his family, subjects, alive their families and loved ones alive to harvest their crops and reap the fruits of their labour. He prayed for peace, good healthy, long life and security of lives and property and divine protection for all.
According to him, “Ubomiri people at home and in the Diaspora are known to be responsible, God fearing and law abiding people who place premium on hard work diligence and moral rectitude. We exude positive energy and try as much as possible to distance ourselves from all forms of illegality. But if there are people in our midst who have negative approach to life, we pray that God enables them to turn around from their old ways. May God bless the works of our hands, actualize our positive thoughts, dreams and aspirations and provide for us, our sons and daughters, the necessary wherewithal to make meaningful impact in life and contribute to the socio-economic development of their families, villages and communities and the state at large.
The event was attended by top government officials, captains of industry, academics and traditional rulers, among whom are, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP, Aboki Danjuma, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon Barr Rex Anunobi (Sokom), who also doubles as the Supreme Leader, Orlu Political Consultative Assembly OPOCA, former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Hon Barr Kingsley Ononuju (Ekwedashike), Veteran Nollywood actor, immediate past Coordinator of Mbaitoli South Development Center and Chief Executive Officer, CONAC TV, Hon Chief Umez Chibuzor.
Other are, the Prime Minister TPM, of Ishi Ubomiri Chief Matthew Fada Enwere, President General of Ishi Ubomiri, Chief Dr Romanus Onyirioha, Chief Cajetan Nwokeforo (Nwachinemere) Chief Dr George Agbakahi (Dike Ejiejemba Ubomiri), Chief (Sir) Tony Duruaku, Chief Arch Jude Ekenze (Ejike me Ishi Ubomiri) Barr Raymond Okorie, Palace Secretary and Comrade Uche Solomon Chukwu (Youth Leader).
The Traditional Prime Minister Chief Matthew Fada Enwere and the President General, Chief Dr Romanus Onyirioha, in their separate speeches commended the traditional ruler, Eze Ekeh for his leadership acumen and passionate commitment the development of the community and enhanced welfare of his people. They also thanked all who contributed in different ways to make the event successful.
